An examination of air quality in Kuwait: Implications for environmental sustainability and public health

Abstract

Kuwait is one of five nations located in the Gulf region characterized by arid-desert climate—extreme hot temperature and dust storms. Frequent dust events elevate fine (PM_2.5) and coarse (PM₁₀) particulate matter levels, posing various health risks. Using longitudinal data from 2021 to 2024, this study identifies and quantifies the impact of dust storms, blowing dust, and dust haze on fine and coarse particulate matter levels. Data is analyzed through a pooled OLS two-way fixed effects model to control for unobserved heterogeneity from long-term and seasonal effects. Meteorological variables and air pollutants are incorporated to account for their impacts. Results indicate that dust storms, while rare, have the strongest impact on elevating fine and coarse particulate matter levels. The relative impacts of blowing dust and dust haze differ, with dust haze playing a larger role in PM_2.5 pollution and blowing dust contributing more to PM₁₀ levels. These findings have important policy implications for air policy management and public health, emphasizing the need for dust control measures, climate adaptation strategies, and improved air pollution monitoring to mitigate health risks associated with high PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ levels in Kuwait.