Georgakopoulou Vasiliki Epameinondas, Taskou Chrysoula, Diamanti Athina, Beka Despoina, Papalexis Petros, Trakas Nikolaos, Spandidos Demetrios A
Department of Pathophysiology, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece.
Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health and Caring Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece.
Exp Ther Med. 2024 Oct 22;28(6):460. doi: 10.3892/etm.2024.12750. eCollection 2024 Dec.
Saharan dust storms, which originate from the Sahara desert, have a significant impact on global health, especially on respiratory conditions of populations exposed to fine particulate matter that travels across continents. Dust events, characterized by the transport of mineral dust such as quartz and feldspar, lead to the suspension of particulate matter in the atmosphere, capable of traversing long distances and affecting air quality adversely. Emerging research links these dust episodes with increased incidence and exacerbation of lung diseases, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, especially during peak dust emission seasons from November to March. The present review aims to synthesize existing scientific evidence concerning the respiratory health impacts of Saharan dust, examining the environmental dynamics of dust transmission, the physical and chemical properties of dust particles, and their biological effects on human health. Further, it assesses epidemiological studies and discusses public health strategies for mitigating adverse health outcomes. Given the complexity of interactions between atmospheric dust particles and respiratory health, this review also highlights critical research gaps that need attention to better understand and manage the health risks associated with Saharan dust.
源自撒哈拉沙漠的撒哈拉沙尘暴对全球健康有重大影响，尤其会影响那些接触到穿越各大洲的细颗粒物的人群的呼吸道状况。沙尘事件以石英和长石等矿物尘埃的传输为特征，导致大气中的颗粒物悬浮，这些颗粒物能够远距离传播并对空气质量产生不利影响。新出现的研究将这些沙尘事件与包括哮喘和慢性阻塞性肺疾病在内的肺部疾病发病率增加和病情加重联系起来，尤其是在11月至3月的沙尘排放高峰期。本综述旨在综合现有的关于撒哈拉沙尘对呼吸道健康影响的科学证据，研究沙尘传播的环境动态、沙尘颗粒的物理和化学性质及其对人类健康的生物学影响。此外，它还评估了流行病学研究，并讨论了减轻不良健康后果的公共卫生策略。鉴于大气尘埃颗粒与呼吸道健康之间相互作用的复杂性，本综述还强调了关键的研究空白，这些空白需要关注，以便更好地理解和管理与撒哈拉沙尘相关的健康风险。
