A study published in a scientific journal indicates that the haze that covered several areas of Spain in 2022 could
Calima is already part of the Canary Islands' usual landscape, an uncomfortable visitor that comes and goes without asking permission, loaded with dust, dryness and a slight feeling of apocalypse for those who suffer from allergies.
But what if, in addition to causing discomfort, it brought something more dangerous? A recent study has revealed that the haze that covered half of Spain in 2022 contained radioactive particles from old nuclear tests in the XNUMXth century. And now, the question that many are asking is: what is happening with the haze that we breathe in the Canary Islands?
Recent research has confirmed that the 2022 haze carried traces of cesium-137 and plutonium-239 and 240, radioactive isotopes originating from nuclear tests carried out during the Cold War in the African deserts.
The “whistleblower” that allowed these particles to be traced was a mineral native to the Sahara, palygorskite, which allowed scientists to connect the dots that linked these radioactive remains with the haze episodes that originate in the deserts of North Africa.
To put this into context, cesium-137 was released in large quantities during atomic tests in the Sahara and other parts of the world. While many of these particles were trapped in the atmosphere or on the ground in the desert itself, the winds that stir up Saharan dust could be reintroducing these elements into our ecosystem with each haze episode.
Now, should we be alarmed? According to experts, the concentrations detected so far are low, but the simple fact that the haze may be carrying radioactive particles is causing concern; especially in a territory like the Canary Islands, where haze is a recurring phenomenon that has recently left historic images such as those of February 2020, when an episode of haze turned the Canary Islands orange and forced the suspension of outdoor activities and affected air traffic for several hours.
The study, published in the magazine Science Advances, assures that the levels do not pose an immediate risk to health, but the truth is that detailed studies have not yet been carried out on the presence of these isotopes in the haze that visits the Canary Islands several times a month with varying intensity.
In the meantime, the recommendation remains the same: when haze hits, it is best to reduce outdoor exposure, close windows and, for people with health problems, children and the elderly, it is recommended to wear a mask during the most intense episodes of dust.
