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<p>Saharan dust events are a major source of PM<sub>2.5</sub> in West Africa and Southern Europe. While most of the dust consists of coarse particles (&gt; 2.5&#xa0;μm), PM<sub>2.5</sub> is particularly concerning due to its ability to penetrate deeply into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and contribute to adverse health outcomes. This review systematically assesses evidence on the physicochemical characteristics, size distribution, and clinical impacts of PM<sub>2.5</sub> from Saharan dust events in West Africa and Southern Europe. Following PRISMA guidelines, comprehensive search and analysis were conducted for studies providing direct PM<sub>2.5</sub> measurements or validated proxies along with particle characterization or health outcomes during Saharan dust events between January 2013 and February 2025. Our findings indicate that, Saharan dust-derived PM<sub>2.5</sub> was enriched with crustal elements (Al, Si, Ca) and trace metals (Fe, Cu, Zn), with biotoxic metals comprising ~ 5–10% of aerosol composition. Dust episodes increase regional dust load, increasing PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations above background values, frequently exceeding the WHO 24-hour guideline value of 15&#xa0;µg/m<sup>3</sup>. Elevated PM<sub>2.5</sub> concentrations during Saharan dust events were associated with increased respiratory morbidity, cardiovascular hospitalizations, and mortality across different populations in West Africa and Southern Europe. The Southern Portugal dust events were associated with a 12.6% increase in urgent respiratory hospitalizations among elderly populations. In Rome, each 10&#xa0;µg/m<sup>3</sup> increase in PM<sub>2.5</sub> corresponded to a 2.57% increase in respiratory and cardiovascular hospitalizations. In rural West Africa, exposed children had a higher risk of coughing (OR = 1.32; 95% CI 1.11–1.56). Elevated PM<sub>2.5</sub> exposure was also associated with increased infant, neonatal, under-five, and maternal mortality. Targeted interventions including dust early warning systems, public exposure advisories, use of protective face mask, and reduction of outdoor exposure during severe dust episodes could substantially reduce health risks, particularly among vulnerable populations.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>

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Saharan Dust Derived PM2.5 Pollution, Characteristics, and Effects on Human Health in West Africa and Southern Europe: A Systematic Review

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年6月19日

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  • Matilda Mattu Moiwo,
  • Daniel Youkee,
  • Xinfeng Wang

摘要

Saharan dust events are a major source of PM2.5 in West Africa and Southern Europe. While most of the dust consists of coarse particles (> 2.5 μm), PM2.5 is particularly concerning due to its ability to penetrate deeply into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and contribute to adverse health outcomes. This review systematically assesses evidence on the physicochemical characteristics, size distribution, and clinical impacts of PM2.5 from Saharan dust events in West Africa and Southern Europe. Following PRISMA guidelines, comprehensive search and analysis were conducted for studies providing direct PM2.5 measurements or validated proxies along with particle characterization or health outcomes during Saharan dust events between January 2013 and February 2025. Our findings indicate that, Saharan dust-derived PM2.5 was enriched with crustal elements (Al, Si, Ca) and trace metals (Fe, Cu, Zn), with biotoxic metals comprising ~ 5–10% of aerosol composition. Dust episodes increase regional dust load, increasing PM2.5 concentrations above background values, frequently exceeding the WHO 24-hour guideline value of 15 µg/m3. Elevated PM2.5 concentrations during Saharan dust events were associated with increased respiratory morbidity, cardiovascular hospitalizations, and mortality across different populations in West Africa and Southern Europe. The Southern Portugal dust events were associated with a 12.6% increase in urgent respiratory hospitalizations among elderly populations. In Rome, each 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 corresponded to a 2.57% increase in respiratory and cardiovascular hospitalizations. In rural West Africa, exposed children had a higher risk of coughing (OR = 1.32; 95% CI 1.11–1.56). Elevated PM2.5 exposure was also associated with increased infant, neonatal, under-five, and maternal mortality. Targeted interventions including dust early warning systems, public exposure advisories, use of protective face mask, and reduction of outdoor exposure during severe dust episodes could substantially reduce health risks, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Graphical abstract