Sulfur or Pollen? Chemical, Biological, and Toxicological Basis for the Correct Risk Communication of Urban Yellow Dust Deposition.

Urban yellow dust deposition is a common phenomenon in many parts of the world, which is sometimes called "sulfur shower," "sulfur rain," or "pollen storm." Most people, especially those living in the vicinity of industrial facilities, wrongly perceive the yellow dust as sulfur when in fact it is pollen. The misunderstanding increases risk perception as people believe the "yellow powder" is a serious threat to their health.