Saharan dust increasingly threatens health in the Canary Islands

A new international study published in *Nature* has quantified the growing presence of Saharan dust over the Canary Islands. The analysis of data from more than 100 European air‑quality stations shows that dust episodes affect about 40 % of days each year in the archipelago, roughly double the frequency recorded in southern mainland Europe. Average concentrations of African dust in southern Europe are 5.3 µg/m³, more than twice the levels in central and northern regions.

Researchers link the rise to climate‑driven changes: warmer temperatures and drier conditions in North Africa increase desert emissions, while altered atmospheric circulation carries more dust northward over the Atlantic. Health experts warn that chronic exposure can exacerbate asthma, bronchitis, and increase mortality from cardiovascular events, especially among children, the elderly and those with pre‑existing conditions. The study calls for continent‑wide early‑warning systems and targeted emission reductions to protect vulnerable populations.

The findings highlight a contrast between declining human‑made particulate pollution in Europe and the expanding natural dust load, stressing the need for coordinated monitoring and mitigation strategies across the affected regions.