Australian Researchers Link Thunderstorms to Asthma Attacks
LONDON-A new study published in the British journal Thorax suggests that a thunderstorm's downdraft can lift pollen from the ground, causing asthma outbreaks of epidemic proportions.
The research, which has been received with much criticism in Britain and Australia, says the outflow, caused when a downdraft pushes aside the ground air, causes these epidemics. The Australian scientists tracked asthma-related ER admissions and meteorological conditions in six inland towns in southeastern Australia. In the town of Wagga Wagga (population 55,519), 215 people went to the ER for asthma treatment on the day of a storm in 1997. The average number of visits for that day was no more than three.
This study contradicts the beliefs that link storm-based asthma attacks to ionic changes caused by lightning, the mechanical effect of water as it causes pollen particles to burst open, or the unsettling effects of ordinary wind.
There have been some asthma outbreaks linked to weather by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, but no major American studies have linked the two. Some American physicians wonder if these two elements may be different for Australians than others. Rain falls and effects people differently in areas of the world. The rain in Arizona, or any high desert, is different than that of Hawaii, or any sub-tropical area.
Although dry storms and wet storms have the same disruptive effects, the loose pollen would differ greatly.
Thunderstorm season often coincides with grass pollen season. The study suggests breathing the allergens sends many asthma-prone people to emergency rooms.
Source: www.washingtonpost.com
Newsletter
Stay prepared and protected with Infection Control Today's newsletter, delivering essential updates, best practices, and expert insights for infection preventionists.
Reducing Hidden Risks: Why Sharps Injuries Still Go Unreported
July 18th 2025Despite being a well-known occupational hazard, sharps injuries continue to occur in health care facilities and are often underreported, underestimated, and inadequately addressed. A recent interview with sharps safety advocate Amanda Heitman, BSN, RN, CNOR, a perioperative educational consultant, reveals why change is overdue and what new tools and guidance can help.
New Study Explores Oral Vancomycin to Prevent C difficile Recurrence, But Questions Remain
July 17th 2025A new clinical trial explores the use of low-dose oral vancomycin to prevent Clostridioides difficile recurrence in high-risk patients taking antibiotics. While the data suggest a possible benefit, the findings stop short of statistical significance and raise red flags about vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), underscoring the delicate balance between prevention and antimicrobial stewardship.
What Lies Beneath: Why Borescopes Are Essential for Verifying Surgical Instrument Cleanliness
July 16th 2025Despite their smooth, polished exteriors, surgical instruments often harbor dangerous contaminants deep inside their lumens. At the HSPA25 and APIC25 conferences, Cori L. Ofstead, MSPH, and her colleagues revealed why borescopes are an indispensable tool for sterile processing teams, offering the only reliable way to verify internal cleanliness and improve sterile processing effectiveness to prevent patient harm.
The Next Frontier in Infection Control: AI-Driven Operating Rooms
Published: July 15th 2025 | Updated: July 15th 2025Discover how AI-powered sensors, smart surveillance, and advanced analytics are revolutionizing infection prevention in the OR. Herman DeBoard, PhD, discusses how these technologies safeguard sterile fields, reduce SSIs, and help hospitals balance operational efficiency with patient safety.
Targeting Uncertainty: Why Pregnancy May Be the Best Time to Build Vaccine Confidence
July 15th 2025New national survey data reveal high uncertainty among pregnant individuals—especially first-time parents—about vaccinating their future children, underscoring the value of proactive engagement to strengthen infection prevention.
