Scientists say the amount of debris from the baking African wilderness reaching the UK has jumped by at least 50% and is causing breathing problems
Britain is getting a giant sandblasting from the Sahara as dust storms from the world’s biggest hot desert fuel health fears. Scientists say the amount of debris from the baking African wilderness reaching the UK jumped by at least 50% between 2012 and 2021.
It is worsening air pollution, hitting asthma sufferers and even sparking flight chaos. The gritty clouds are carried thousands of miles on powerful winds from north Africa, leaving cars coated in red-brown dust and creating dramatic crimson sunsets.
But experts warn the spectacle comes with a darker side as tiny airborne particles can aggravate breathing problems and make it harder to meet air quality targets.
Researchers believe climate change is drying out parts of north Africa, allowing the Sahara to expand and making it easier for stronger southerly winds to sweep vast amounts of dust across Europe.
Lead researcher Kaspar Daellenbach, from the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland, said: “It doesn’t sound like much, right? On the other hand, this is affecting large populations, so many people are affected.”
During major dust events in southern Europe, the team found the particles were linked to 0.67% of daily deaths and 0.73% of hospital admissions for lung problems among people aged over 15.
The researchers warned: “Dust pollution will increasingly threaten public health and hinder efforts to meet WHO and European Union air quality targets.”
The study, published in the journal Nature, examined dust levels at 103 sites across Europe between 2012 and 2021 and also analysed 270 years of evidence locked away in Alpine ice cores.
Boffs said the Sahara has always blown dust across Europe, where it can even help fertilise oceans and ecosystems, but the amount now reaching northern Europe is increasing.
Experts said people can reduce their exposure by checking air quality forecasts and staying indoors during the worst dust episodes.
But they added the long-term answer lies in tackling climate change.ends