Large African Cloud Moving from the Sahara Desert Reached the Atlantic Ocean

An African cloud moving from the Sahara Desert has reached the Atlantic Ocean. It is likely to get to the Gulf Coast, including Louisiana, by the weekend. 

The dust cloud is called the Saharan Air Layer (SAL). It is composed when the African desert is carried across the Atlantic Ocean. This takes place on an annual basis from May to August.

SAL has the potential to reach as far as the central United States. But unfortunately, these clouds also bring air pollution and health issues. 

As per the experts, the dust cloud is likely to sweep across the Caribbean before reaching the U.S Gulf Coast since it was still positioned over the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday.

NASA’s dust forecast model predicts some dust in the sky on Sunday over the western Gulf Coast from Louisiana to Texas.

NASA informs that fine silica particles can affect people’s eyes, nose, ears, and throat. In some cases, it also penetrates lung tissue, enhances sensitivity, and impairs vision. 

Dr. McCormack, associated professor of medicine and Medical Director of Pulmonary Medicine at John Hopkins University, remarked that most of the Saharan dust particles that reach the U.S are too big to be inhaled. He added that health risks caused by particulate matter also include augmented asthma attacks and heart disease. People with heart and lung diseases are at the maximum stake.