What are dust storms and how are they formed?

Sand and dust storms (SDS) are lower-atmosphere events caused by strong winds releasing sand particles from the ground surface. While sandstorms happen near the Earth's surface, finer dust particles can be carried kilometers into the atmosphere and travel great distances. These events typically occur in semi-arid and arid regions with little plant cover.

The main sources of desert dust are located within a broad “dust belt” that stretches from the west coast of North Africa (Saharan dust), across the Middle East and Central Asia to South Asia and reaches as far as China.

Learn more about dust storms

The diagram displays how dust is formed, from strong winds that bring the particulate matter into the atmosphere

Cyprus Map with Orange Rectangles in each city representing dust particles

DESERT DUST IN CYPRUS

The Eastern Mediterranean is identified as a climate change “hotspot”

Dust in Cyprus is mainly transported from the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East. Strong winds in Turkey and the Balkans also contribute significantly to the intrusion of particulate matter (PM) into the island through soil erosion.

In the Eastern Mediterranean, the frequency of desert dust days rose between 1958 and 2006, and it is projected to increase more sharply in the twenty-first century due to climate change.

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Premature Deaths are recorded annually in Cyprus, due to bad air quality, (fine particles concentration) according to the EΕΑ.

173_PM10μg/m3

On May 27th, 2025, at 08:00 am, the hourly dust concentration of PM10 reached hazardous levels in Ayia-Marina Xyliatou.

RESPIRATORY HEALTH

• Macular degeneration
• Respiratory related mortality
• Asthma exacerbation
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

CARDIOVASCULAR &
CEREBROVASCULAR HEALTH

• Mortality
• Heart failure
• Acute Coronary Syndrome
• Stroke

INFECTIOUS DISEASES

• Pneumonia
• Valley fever
• Meningococcal meningitis
• Possible transport of pathogens
‍

EYE RELATED EFFECTS

• Inconjunctivitis
• Dry eye
• Blepharitis

‍

Learn more about Health Effects

EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO DESERT DUST

Health Effects

Dust storms have been connected to a variety of health problems, including an increase in both overall and specific-cause mortality, as well as respiratory, cerebrovascular, and cardiovascular issues.

Additionally, though less frequently, exposure to dust storms has been linked to eye inflammation (conjunctivitis), aggravated coughing, complications during pregnancy and childbirth, headaches, traffic accidents, suicides, and infections. These infections can include bacterial meningitis and diseases caused by pathogens carried by desert dust.

VULNERABLE PEOPLE

Who is at the greatest risk?

Exposure to desert dust during pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and preeclampsia. Many studies also show consistent links between dust events and neonatal health risks. Children exposed to dust have a higher risk of delayed neurodevelopment and functional disabilities. Research has also associated dust exposure with increased infant mortality.

Children & Pregnant Women

Older adults face a significantly greater risk of cardiovascular and respiratory mortality during dust events. This heightened vulnerability is likely due to the higher rates of pre-existing heart and lung conditions commonly found in the elderly compared to younger individuals.

Elderly People

Dust particles can harm respiratory and cardiovascular health through multiple biological pathways. When inhaled, they may cause inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to arterial plaque formation, atherosclerosis, and a higher risk of blood clots. Additionally, toxic elements often present in dust can contribute to cancer and heart disease, even at relatively low exposure levels.

People with Underlying Health Problems

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS

How to get protected during high dust levels in Cyprus?

Learn more about protection measures

STAY INDOORS

If the air is heavily polluted, avoid outdoor vigorous activities and stay indoors as much as possible with doors and windows closed to maintain clean air.

RUN AIR PURIFIER

Sensitive groups are recommended to run an air purifier with HEPA filters and clean the air from dust particles.

Person wearing shield mask representing wearing a mask icon

WEAR MASK

Wearing a KN95 mask is recommended if you must go outside, especially for vulnerable people.

Bird box with a bird inside, representing staying indoors icon

STAY UPDATED

Regularly check the air quality and government recommendations to know when to avoid outdoor activities.

AIR QUALITY IN FOCUS (AQI)

How is air quality reported?

AQI = 40

HEALTHY

AQI = 70

UNHEALTHY

Very dusty atmosphere on peak of mountain

AQI = 120

VERY UNHEALTHY

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a system used to report the quality of the air in a specific location. The ideal range for healthy breathing is an air quality index (AQI) below 50, while it can range from 0 to 300. Lower numbers indicate cleaner, healthier air, while higher numbers indicate more polluted air.

To check the current air pollution in Cyprus and view the AQI, visit:‍

‍Air pollution in Cyprus today

MITIGATION & CHALLENGES

How can we reduce the health impacts of Desert Dust?

Addressing the health impacts of desert dust requires a combination of source and impact reduction strategies. Source-based approaches aim to improve sustainability by stabilizing dunes, promoting sustainable landscape practices, and reducing wind erosion through land-use planning.

On the other hand, impact mitigation seeks to reduce human exposure through emergency response plans, early warning systems, community engagement, public education, and readiness of the health system. When combined, these tactics reduce the harmful effects of dust on health.

KEEPING IT POSITIVE

It’s expanding and is dangerous, but it has some benefits.

The Amazon rainforest is kept green and thriving in part due to the nutrients carried by Saharan dust.

Rich in iron and phosphorus, the dust plume from the Sahara feeds both land and marine flora. This dust provides more than 70% of the iron that is needed by Atlantic plants. Saharan dust is also necessary for the Amazon rainforest, as its soil is lacking in phosphorus. Scientists claim that dust may bridge the gap between the Amazon rainforest's nutrient requirements and the limited supply found in its nutrient-poor soils.

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an Awareness campaign on the impact of desert dust in Cyprus

Is dust quietly affecting your health as a citizen of Cyprus?

PRESENTING THE LATEST SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE

How dust increases air pollution in Cyprus - a problem we can’t ignore.

What are dust storms and how are they formed?

What is Particulate Matter (PM)?

PM10 & PM2.5 DUST PARTICLES ARE HARMFUL TO HEALTH

Inhalation of particulate matter (PM) poses a significant health risk, leading to premature death and respiratory infections

CYPRUS FACES NUMEROUS DUST EPISODES EACH YEAR

Dust episodes with the highest PM10 values are reported during spring/summer and autumn

THE CLIMATE IS CONNECTED WITH DUST TRANSPORT

Drought and high temperatures in Cyprus make it easier for dust particles to be lifted from surfaces into the air

DESERT DUST IN CYPRUS

The Eastern Mediterranean is identified as a climate change “hotspot”

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173PM10μg/m3

RESPIRATORY HEALTH

CARDIOVASCULAR & CEREBROVASCULAR HEALTH

INFECTIOUS DISEASES

EYE RELATED EFFECTS

EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO DESERT DUST

Health Effects

VULNERABLE PEOPLE

Who is at the greatest risk?

Children & Pregnant Women

Children & Pregnant Women

Elderly People

Elderly People

People with Underlying Health Problems

People with Underlying Health Problems

HEALTH PRECAUTIONS

How to get protected during high dust levels in Cyprus?

STAY INDOORS

RUN AIR PURIFIER

WEAR MASK

STAY UPDATED

AIR QUALITY IN FOCUS (AQI)

How is air quality reported?

AQI = 40

AQI = 70

AQI = 120

Desert Dust on a Global Scale

Dust storms may be linked to increased meningitis cases in Africa

Desert Dust has reached Estonia

Athens’ sky is covered with Orange Dust Haze

MITIGATION & CHALLENGES

How can we reduce the health impacts of Desert Dust?

KEEPING IT POSITIVE

It’s expanding and is dangerous, but it has some benefits.

TREES ACT AS A FILTER AND HOLD ON THEIR LEAVES THE DUST PARTICLES

HELP US ASSESS THE PHENOMENON

Do you feel affected by high dust levels in Cyprus?

SITEMAP

INFORMATION

TEAM & DESIGN

Have questions or want to reach out? Feel free to contact our team.

an Awareness campaign on the
impact of desert dust in Cyprus

Is dust quietly affecting your health as a citizen
of Cyprus?

How dust increases air pollution in Cyprus
- a problem we can’t ignore.

173_PM10μg/m3

CARDIOVASCULAR &
CEREBROVASCULAR HEALTH