The Saharan dust may be nice to look at, but it can cause health problems. Experts recommend checking the air quality in such cases.
Kassel – The sky over Germany was yellowish-grey on the Easter weekend and the air was cloudy. The reason for this is that Saharan dust was picked up from the world's largest dry desert in North Africa and carried by the wind thousands of kilometers north. According to the German Weather Service (DWD), this is not a rare weather phenomenon: the dust particles come to Europe around five to 15 times a year - which can be particularly dangerous for allergy sufferers and people with previous illnesses.
Is Sahara dust dangerous? Lung doctors warn of “highly toxic mixture”
The Federal Environment Agency emphasized in a report that Sahara dust “has a negative effect on human health.” Accordingly, the development and worsening of respiratory diseases could be promoted. In Greece there are also warnings about the effects of fine dust. The Greek Lung Doctors Association explained that it could mix with pollen, dangerous bacteria or fungi. The result is “a highly toxic mixture.”
The DWD again classifies the Sahara dust as “non-toxic”. However, the FAQ published in 2022 points out that desert dust contains larger amounts of particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers that can enter the lungs. Health problems such as breathing difficulties can occur, particularly in sensitive people who are exposed to dust particles for several hours or longer.
Sahara dust can lead to health problems, but it doesn't have to
According to the DWD, people with asthmatic symptoms and cardiovascular diseases are primarily affected. If the Saharan dust then mixes with pollen or pollen, this can be a test, especially for allergy sufferers. If such a weather phenomenon occurs, it is advisable for those affected to have their medication at hand and, if necessary, to consult a doctor. At home, windows and doors should be kept closed as much as possible.
Professor of pulmonary medicine, Thodoris Vasilakopoulos, recommended that people at risk wear sunglasses and masks - although opinions are divided on the latter. Meltem Kutlar Joss, head of the Air and Health Documentation Center at the Swiss Tropical Institute, believes wearing a mask makes little sense. Since the individual risks from Sahara dust are low, there is “no general recommendation for wearing a mask,” she explained to the
Nau.ch portal.
What the experts agree on: If there is Saharan dust in the air, the air quality should be checked through current weather reports. In most cases, information is also provided there when the dust has passed or settled. Drivers in particular can benefit from this because they know when the so-called blood rain starts and they can wash their vehicle. However, the ADAC warns against a cleaning mistake that can lead to damage to the car.
(cln)