Particulate Matter Pollution and Health Impacts in Six North African Countries

Abstract

This paper addresses the issue of outdoor particulate matter pollution in six North African countries-Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Sudan, and Tunisia. Major particulate matter sources include various industries and transportation systems, dust storms, and sandstorms. It has been shown that there is a need to increase public awareness and participation and enhance capacities regarding ground-based monitoring of particulate matter, using satellite data, and assessing the health impacts of exposure to particulate matter. There is also a need for improved legislation and better governance regarding its implementation and enforcement. If possible, examples of potential impacts of particulate matter pollution on the Gross National Product (GNP) for various economic and health sectors will be reported. As outdoor particulate matter pollution is one of the major sources of loss to the GNP, air quality management needs to be strengthened.