Sahara sand cloud expected this weekend: are there health risks ?

A new cloud of sand from the Sahara is expected this weekend of April 6, 2024 (illustration photo). THOMAS WARNACK – PIXABAY

A new cloud of sand from the Sahara is expected in France this weekend of April 6 and 7, 2024. The sky will turn more or less orange. Does this sand pose health risks ?

An air mass coming directly from Africa is moving towards Europe and will bring summer temperatures to a large part of France from this Friday, April 5, 2024.

New episode

A new cloud of sand from the Sahara crossed France last week, on March 30, and a new episode is planned for this weekend of April 6, 2024.

This dust represents an episode of fine particles. "Everyone breathes this air with certain consequences for health" , warns the president of the France Respiratory Health association, interviewed by Le Point.

"Fine particles"

Comments confirmed by Antoine Trouche, engineer at Airparif, the organization which monitors air quality in Île-de-France, cited by France info. "In the sand mists that travel in the atmosphere, there are small particles that are less than ten micrometers in diameter […], they are capable of crossing the natural barriers that we have, particularly at the level of the nose, and therefore of entering the lungs."

Advice for vulnerable people

During this type of sand cloud episode, vulnerable people suffering from respiratory illnesses, pregnant women and young children are therefore recommended to be vigilant. It is advisable to be alert to "the appearance of throat irritation, cough or breathing difficulties" and "to call your doctor", according to the expert cited by our colleagues.

"Limit physical effort"

During the passage of this cloud, it is advisable to "limit physical effort", recommends& nbsp;the president of the France Respiratory Health association, Frédéric Le Guillou to our colleagues from  Point. When the peak is the greatest, it is better to keep the windows of your home closed so as not to let polluted air in, he also advises.