Dust from the Sahara is increasingly polluting the air in Europe
Researchers have found that over the past ten years, the amount of dust from the Sahara Desert in Europe’s atmosphere has increased significantly. This could have a negative impact on air quality and human health.
According to the study, the concentration of Saharan dust in European countries has increased by approximately 10–25%. The largest increase was recorded in the United Kingdom, where air pollution levels due to such dust transport rose by nearly 50%.
Reportedly, experts analyzed more than 18,500 daily measurements from 103 monitoring stations across various European countries. The highest concentrations were recorded in the southern part of the continent, particularly in Spain and the Canary Islands, through which Saharan dust most often enters Europe.
The main cause is increased desertification in North Africa, which is accelerating due to global warming and human activity. According to reports, the number of dust storms has remained virtually unchanged, but they have become significantly stronger and are carrying more dust northward.
How Saharan dust is harmful to humans
According to reports, spikes in dust concentrations are accompanied by an increase in deaths from heart attacks and acute respiratory illnesses. Prolonged exposure to polluted air also increases the risk of developing asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other lung diseases.
Children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses are particularly vulnerable. The most common symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, a tight feeling in the chest, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat.
Another well-known consequence is so-called “blood rain.” During precipitation, raindrops trap particles of sugar dust, leaving reddish-brown streaks on cars, windows, and other surfaces after the rain.
In addition, sugar dust also reduces the efficiency of solar panels. The settling particles block sunlight, reducing electricity production by 15–30%, and during severe dust storms, losses can exceed 50–80%.
Scientists warn that as the climate continues to warm, the problem will only worsen.
In just 50 years, several major cities could turn into deserts due to climate change. Scientists warn that by 2018, the central United States will become hotter and drier, and traditional prairies will gradually be replaced by more desert-like vegetation.
In addition, the eastern United States will undergo significant changes, where cool mixed and coniferous forests will gradually give way to more drought-resistant vegetation.
This is according to a new study titled “Increasing Dust Pollution Across Europe Under Climate Change,” published in the journal Nature.
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