Dust concentrations rose across much of Europe between 2012 and 2021
Concentrations of desert dust rose steadily across much of Europe between 2012 and 2021, according to a study published today in the journal Nature. This was despite the fact that particulate matter pollution from emissions had fallen as a result of regulations. The trend could be linked to changes in atmospheric circulation and desertification in North Africa. Some of the largest increases were recorded in southern Europe and the Mediterranean region, where levels are more than double those in the north of the continent. The authors warn that dust pollution could have an increasing impact on air quality and public health.
Jordi Sunyer - polvo
Jordi Sunyer
Researcher at ISGlobal and Professor of Preventive Medicine and Public Health at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona
Does the press release accurately reflect the study?
“Yes”.
Is the study of good quality? Are the conclusions supported by sound data?
“It is excellent”.
How does this work fit in with the existing evidence?
“The scale – number of sampling points, number of daily metal content analyses, number of days, geographical variation – as well as the mathematical analytical strategy, far exceed those of previous studies.”
Have the authors taken confounding factors into account? Are there any significant limitations to bear in mind?
“I cannot identify any weaknesses, apart from the fact that this is a study of geochemical temporal variability in Europe, which cannot simply be extrapolated to the rest of the world. As regards the estimation of the impact on mortality and hospitalisations, the study does not suffer from residual confounding.”
What are the implications for the real world?
“That climate change cannot be tackled simply through adaptation, because in cases such as this, it is almost futile. Measures to mitigate climate change must be put in place as a matter of urgency: from decarbonisation to the restructuring of the food industry or the management of the commons.”
Vasilakos et al.
- Research article
- Peer reviewed
