Saharan dust in Central Texas can impact respiratory health

AUSTIN, Texas — Most summers, dust from the Saharan Desert makes its way into Central Texas and creates beautiful sunrises and sunsets. But the dust can also create health problems for some people with lung conditions.

Just the size of the Sahara Desert in Africa is impressive – 3.6 million square miles, roughly the size of the United States.

Saharan dust reaches the U.S. after being carried across the Atlantic Ocean by trade winds from the North African desert. The dust is typically lifted into the atmosphere by strong storms, especially during the summer months. These winds can carry millions of tons of dust into the air, where it can reach altitudes of up to 15,000 feet.

It’s what’s inside the massive dust cloud that is a health concern. It consists of fine particulate matter, incl