Sahara Dust Levels Rising Across Europe, Study Warns of Health Risks

Concentrations of desert dust over Europe have risen by roughly half a microgram per cubic meter over the past decade, equivalent to a 10–25% increase in total dust pollution, according to a new study published in Nature Source: infobae. The research, led by the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), combined data from over 100 monitoring stations with artificial intelligence to distinguish Saharan dust from other pollutants using aluminium as a chemical tracer Source: infobae, elconfidencial.

Regional impact

Southern Europe bears the brunt, with average dust levels of 5.3 micrograms per cubic meter compared to 2.1 in central and northern regions Source: infobae. Spain and Italy are particularly affected due to their proximity to North Africa Source: elconfidencial. While the number of dust transport episodes has not increased, their intensity has grown, bringing more particles northward Source: elconfidencial.

Causes and uncertainty

The study cites growing aridity in the Sahara—which expanded ~10% during the 20th century—and changing atmospheric circulation as key drivers Source: infobae, elconfidencial. However, researchers caution that it is "not yet definitively clear" how far anthropogenic climate change is responsible, though current knowledge suggests warming fuels desert expansion Source: elconfidencial.