Warning to asthmatics over Saharan dust cloud as air pollution to blow into UK

05 September 2023 , 14:34

593     0

Dust from the Saharan desert is occasionally blown towards the UK - and may pose health risks in high concentrations (Image: PA)

Dust from the Sahara will blow towards the UK this week - leading to some concern about possible health risks.

Particles from the vast North African desert can be blown into the air for thousands of miles, sometimes landing as far away as parts of South America and the Caribbean. It often arrives north in the British Isles when accompanied by a plume of warmer air, such as the 32C heatwave forecast this week. While not immediately dangerous, at higher concentrations it can contribute to issues with air quality, posing some problems to those suffering from lung conditions, young children or people with asthma.

Saharan dust is coming to the UK - though the Met Office says it is currently 'too high' in the atmosphere to affect air quality (@metoffice/Twitter)

Saharan dust increases the amount of particles in the air - and according to the US Center for Disease Control and Prevention, this can enter your lungs and blood stream once breathed in, potentially triggering attacks in people with asthma. It can also make the general symptoms of asthma worse, and those with the condition are advised to follow their personal action plan during periods of high air pollution, which you can make with your doctor or asthma nurse.

The large particles that come from Saharan dust can also irritate the skin and eyes, while smaller particles also pose some risks in terms of respiratory issues. In the US, the dust has been linked to increased emergency department visits for asthma, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and respiratory infections.

People with these conditions in the UK may want to monitor the Met Office and Defra's Daily Air Quality Index, which issues forecasts on the amount of general pollutants expected to be present in the air. The current forecast for Tuesday 5 September is widespread "Moderate air pollution" for much of England and Wales, meaning adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems who experience symptoms "should consider reducing strenuous physical activity, particularly outdoors".

Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts

As hot, settled conditions continue on Wednesday, some patches of air pollution could reach the "High" level in the south of England - meaning adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, should reduce strenuous physical exertion. Anyone experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, cough or sore throat should also consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors. The Met Office told the Mirror that the Saharan dust is "too high up in the atmosphere" at present to affect air quality.

Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas