On Saturday, the strongest sandstorm this year moved in on Beijing, China. Sandstorms in China are just one form and type of transport for air pollution within China, as well as across borders into South Korea, Japan, and even the United States. Cross-border pollution can also be observed in the forms of photochemical smog and acid rain. Even more concerning is that the sandstorms pick up toxic elements as they move through factory-polluted areas thus creating a chemically-enhanced sandstorm and much more dangerous air quality for the people in its path.
Accomplished and involved Furman student Amanda Pruitt experienced air pollution in India comparable to that of China and saw the effects of cross-border pollution in Japan firsthand. She was one of only 10 participants from the United States in 2008 for the Ship for World Youth program, which set sail from Japan after a brief homestay then made its way to India, Oman, and Singapore before returning to Japan. In an interview with Amanda, she spoke about her observations abroad.
Click to listen to my brief conversation with Amanda: Interview with Amanda Pruitt