In this work, we use existing particulate matter (PM) data from Dakar, Senegal, satellite aerosol optical depth (AOD) and the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to evaluate the role of dust transport from the Sahara and PM concentrations and exposure into other administrative districts of Senegal during 2015 and 2016. We also use data from the Ministry of Health to examine spatial and temporal patterns of acute respiratory infections, asthma, bronchitis, and tuberculosis across Senegal with an emphasis on Northern Hemisphere winter December-February, when air quality is poor, and June-August when there is an improvement in air quality. Measurements in Dakar, Senegal, suggest hazardous PM 10 concentrations associated with Saharan dust storms but lower PM 10 concentrations during the summer. The WRF dust simulations show a similar temporal pattern to the observations in Dakar, Senegal, with notable biases. However, the WRF model suggests that the highest dust concentrations are found across the northern half of Senegal during the winter season where there are no currently PM measurements. Health data during 2015-2016 show the highest prevalence of asthma and bronchitis in Dakar, Senegal, suggesting that other sources of air pollution are important. Acute respiratory infection is prevalent throughout the country with the high prevalence found in rural zones, for children between 12 and 59 months. All measures including real-time monitoring, air quality forecast, and communication should be used to protect the public from potentially hazardous environmental conditions during the winter season.
Plain Language SummaryAir pollution is a leading cause of respiratory and cardiovascular disease and may be responsible for a significant fraction of infant mortality in West Africa. We examine observations and simulations of PM 10 and PM 2.5 concentrations using the Weather Research and Forecasting model during 2015 and 2016 in Dakar, Senegal, and the entire country. We also examine monthly and trimester patterns of asthma, bronchitis, acute respiratory infection, and tuberculosis cases across Senegal. Observations from Senegal show that monthly PM 10 and PM 2.5 concentrations are unhealthy from December through March but improve during the summer months. Saharan dust aerosols, which are transported into Senegal are responsible for the poor air quality through attribution studies using the Weather Research and Forecasting model. We also find the largest numbers of cases of asthma and bronchitis in Dakar, suggesting that urban sources contribute to poor air quality. However, these cases occur during the summer season when air quality is improved. Acute respiratory infection is a public concern in Senegal with the highest values occurring away from the capital city.
