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[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [HEALTH]
2 clusters · 6 sources · 4 days · First seen · Last updated
Air quality drivers in the Canary Islands
Overview
Research conducted by the Canary Islands Air Quality Laboratory (AirCanLab) between 2024 and 2026 indicates that local emissions from vehicles and industry contribute minimally to the archipelago’s air pollution. While local soot accounts for approximately 2 micrograms per cubic meter of annual average PM10 levels, the majority of particulate matter originates from natural sources and transboundary transport.
Sea salt is responsible for roughly 70% of PM10 concentrations during trade wind conditions, and Saharan dust remains the primary driver of extreme pollution spikes. However, the study also identified significant transboundary industrial pollution. Emissions from thermal power plants, natural gas factories, and fertilizer production in Morocco and Algeria—including nitrates, sulfates, and heavy metals—account for approximately 10% to 15% of total emissions, reaching concentrations of up to 5 micrograms per cubic meter. These pollutants are primarily transported to the islands by trade winds.
Entities
AirCanLab · Canary Islands · Morocco · Spanish National Research Council · Algeria
Timeline
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[INTERNATIONAL] 3 sourcesAlgerian and Moroccan industries drive air pollution in Canary Islands
Research from AirCanLab reveals that industrial emissions from Algeria and Morocco contribute 15% of air pollution to the Canary Islands, surpassing the impact of local vehicle traffic.
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[HEALTH] 3 sourcesCanary Islands air quality driven by natural sources and North African industry
Research from AirCanLab shows that Canary Islands air pollution is primarily driven by sea salt and Saharan dust, with local industry contributing very little compared to transboundary industrial emissions.
Sources
atlanticohoy.com · diariodeavisos.com · elapuron.com · lacronicadebadajoz.elperiodicoextremadura.com · laopinioncoruna.es · levante-emv.com