Every year, vast clouds of dust rise from the Sahara Desert, traveling thousands of kilometers across the Atlantic Ocean to reach the Caribbean. This natural phenomenon, known as Saharan Dust, is one of the largest migrations of suspended particles on the planet and has a direct impact on air quality in countries like Trinidad and Tobago.

What is Sahara Dust?

Saharan Dust is composed of soil particles, minerals, organic matter, and other natural pollutants that are carried by strong winds from North Africa. These particles remain in the atmosphere and travel across the ocean, reaching our region primarily between the months of June and August, although their presence can extend into other times of the year.

How does it affect air quality?

When these dust clouds reach our islands, they cause a significant increase in particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) in the air. These pollutants are microscopic particles that can easily enter the lungs and respiratory system, affecting both the environment and public health.

Among the most common effects are:

*Reduced visibility

*Cloudy or hazy skies

*Increased asthma and respiratory allergy episodes

*Eye, nose, and throat irritation

*Increased risk for children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions

Environmental Monitoring in Trinidad and Tobago

At Kaizen Environmental Services (Trinidad) Limited, we conduct continuous air quality monitoring to identify changes in particulate matter levels, especially during Saharan dust episodes. This information is essential for:

*Protecting vulnerable communities.

*Helping industries adjust their operations.

*Supporting authorities in issuing environmental alerts.

*Raising public awareness about the importance of air quality.