Be prepared for the return of the Calima, dust storms to Spain
Credit: Javygo, Unsplash
This week the UN mark International Day to Combat Dust and Sandstorms and we too occasionally feel the brunt of calima , or dust haze, dust blown in from the Sahara.
July 12 is the International Day to Combat Dust and Sandstorms, and while the Costa del Sol is not in immediate danger of severe sandstorms, it does occasionally feel the brunt of calima , or dust haze, dust blown in from the Sahara. Many readers will recall March 2022, when a massive orange dust storm darkened the skies over the Málaga region and, combined with rainwater, left many buildings stained with what appeared to be red clay.
But while that particular event may be a rare occurrence, dry calima blown in from the Mediterranean is quite common on the Costa del Sol, and on July 12 we would do well to remember the precautions we should take to protect our health, homes and cars.
Effects on the circulatory system
Health workers warn that breathing in the dust can have negative effects on the circulatory system. The haze contains pollutants, including particulate matter, which can also carry pollen or fungi from North Africa.
To protect yourself, doctors recommend wearing face masks when outdoors, staying well hydrated to avoid particles getting stuck in your throat, and keeping doors and windows closed to minimise the amount of haze that enters the home. They also urge people not to exercise outdoors.
Wash windscreens with water to avoid scratches
Mechanics advise washing windscreens with water to avoid scratches and to ensure clear visibility on days when the Sahara dust falls, as the dusty haze can also cause damage to vehicles, such as scratching windows when wiped. They also point out that air and cabin filters should be changed every year. If they become dusty quickly, they can damage the engine and cause higher fuel consumption.
Sign up for personalised news
Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox!
By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don’t already have one. Review our
Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
Leave a comment Cancel reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Website
Comment for robots
Known as the PEOPLE’S PAPER, Euro Weekly News is the leading English language newspaper in Spain. And it’s FREE!
Covering the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Almeria, Axarquia, Mallorca and beyond, EWN supports and inspires the individuals, neighbourhoods, and communities we serve, by delivering news with a social conscience. Whether it’s local news in Spain, UK news or international stories, we are proud to be the voice for the expat communities who now call Spain home.
With around half a million print readers a week and over 1.5 million web views per month, EWN has the biggest readership of any English language newspaper in Spain. The paper prints over 150 news stories a week with many hundreds more on the web – no one else even comes close.
Our publication has won numerous awards over the last 25 years including Best Free Newspaper of the Year (Premios AEEPP), Company of the Year (Costa del Sol Business Awards) and Collaboration with Foreigners honours (Mijas Town Hall). All of this comes at ZERO cost to our readers. All our print and online content always has been and always will be FREE OF CHARGE.
Sign up for personalised news
Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox!
By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don’t already have one. Review our Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
Close