Saharan Dust, Climate Variability, and Impact on Human Health in Cuba

Abstract

Mineral dust from the Sahara Desert recurrently reaches the Cuban archipelago during the warm season, transported by the Saharan Air Layer and trade winds. These episodes degrade air quality due to the increase in suspended particles, reducing horizontal visibility and creating extremely dry conditions and high heat indices. The composition of this aerosol includes minerals, trace metals, and biological components such as bacterial and fungal spores, which act as triggers for irritative and inflammatory processes in the human respiratory system. During the months of peak concentration, especially June and July, epidemiological evidence describes an increase in the incidence and severity of conditions such as bronchial asthma, acute respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, allergic rhinitis, and bronchitis. Associations with adverse cardiovascular events, including arrhythmias and decompensation of heart failure in vulnerable groups, have also been reported. Simultaneously, Saharan dust exerts radiative forcing that modifies the local energy balance, stabilizes the atmospheric column, and inhibits deep convection, altering cloud formation and the dynamics of tropical cyclones in the Atlantic. The objective of this article is to analyze the relationship between Saharan dust intrusions and the incidence of these pathologies in Cuba. The results aim to inform integrated surveillance strategies that will allow for the design of effective prevention and mitigation policies within the national public health system to address this recurring environmental challenge.