Sandstorms a health risk

Paris – Sandstorms have engulfed the Middle East in recent days, in a phenomenon experts warn could proliferate because of climate change, putting human health at grave risk.

At least 4 000 people went to hospital on Monday for respiratory issues in Iraq, where eight sandstorms have blanketed the country since mid-April.

More than 5 000 were treated in Iraqi hospitals for similar ailments earlier this month.

It has also smothered Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. –