Harmattan and Your Health: How to Protect Your Lungs, Skin and Eyes From Dust and Dry Air

 Last reviewed: October 16, 2026 | By Ugochukwu Dike

Every year the dry north-easterly harmattan wind carries fine Sahara dust across Nigeria. Researchers describe the season as running from about November to March, with dry, dusty air and hazy skies [1]. NASA’s Earth Observatory describes the haze as lasting between November and April across West Africa [2]. Most people know it as the time of dry skin, chapped lips and coughs. This article explains what the dust may mean for your health and how to protect yourself.

Why harmattan dust matters

A NASA-led study found that air pollution in Africa likely caused about 780,000 premature deaths in 2016. The effects of dust were especially strong in West African countries including Nigeria and Ghana [2]. The study concluded that dust had a bigger effect on health than smoke from fires [2]. Fine dust particles can travel deep into the lungs, which is why people with asthma or other chest problems often feel the worst effects.

What is in harmattan dust?

Nigerian researchers have analysed dust samples from places including Oyo, Iwo, Minna, Jos and Potiskum. They report different mixes of minerals and trace elements, such as calcium, magnesium and iron, depending on the location [3][4][5]. Researchers call for more study of what this means for human health [3][5]. In other words, no one dust sample describes the whole country, and the long-term effects are still being studied.

A study in Damaturu concluded that dust was a risk to community health, and noted that harmattan periods can raise exposure to dust and its contents [6]. A study in Ilorin examined dust and PM10 particles and discussed how high particle levels can increase respiratory symptoms [7].

Common health problems in the dry season

• Coughs, catarrh and chest irritation. Nigerian studies and health reports describe more cough and respiratory complaints during harmattan [3].
• Dry skin and cracked lips. Low humidity dries the skin and lips.
• Eye irritation. Dust can cause redness, itching and watering.
• Asthma flare-ups. People with asthma or chronic lung disease may react to dusty air.

An important warning: meningitis season

The dry, dusty months are also the season for cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) in northern Nigeria. In a public health advisory issued in March 2026, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said CSM occurs more often between December and April, when dry, dusty conditions help it spread, especially in states within the African meningitis belt [8].

The NCDC lists early symptoms as sudden high fever, severe headache and neck stiffness. It says fever and headache during the dry season should not automatically be assumed to be malaria, and that people should report promptly to the nearest health facility if symptoms develop [8]. Seek emergency care immediately if fever comes with neck stiffness, confusion, seizures, or rapid worsening [8]. Vaccination is one of the most effective protections, so ask your health worker whether you or your children are eligible [8].

How to protect your lungs

• On the dustiest days, limit time outdoors, especially for children, older adults and people with asthma.
• If you can get one, a well-fitting respirator-type mask (such as N95 or KN95) filters fine particles better than a loose cloth mask.
• Wet-mop and damp-wipe surfaces instead of sweeping dry, which lifts dust back into the air.
• If you have asthma, keep your reliever inhaler with you and follow your doctor’s plan.
• Avoid adding smoke indoors. Cooking smoke and burning rubbish on top of dust make the air worse.

How to protect your skin and lips

• Drink enough water through the day.
• Apply a moisturiser or petroleum jelly while the skin is still damp after a bath.
• Use lip balm often, and avoid licking your lips.
• Prefer lukewarm water and mild soap to hot water and harsh soap.

How to protect your eyes

• Do not rub your eyes. Rinse them with clean water instead.
• Wear sunglasses or protective glasses outdoors on dusty days.
• See an eye clinic if you have pain, redness that does not clear, or changes in vision.

Protecting your home

• Close windows during peak dust hours and open them when the air clears.
• Cover food, and keep drinking water in closed containers.
• Wash fruit and vegetables well before eating.
• Wash bedding and curtains regularly.

When to see a doctor

Get medical help promptly if you or your child has difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest pain, a very high fever with severe headache, or a stiff neck. A cough that lasts more than a few weeks should also be checked, since it can have causes other than dust.

Conclusion

Harmattan is part of life in Nigeria, but dry-season care makes a real difference. Protect your lungs, skin and eyes, keep your home dust-free, and know the warning signs of meningitis.

This article gives general health information and is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are unwell, see a qualified health worker.

About the author: Ugochukwu Dike holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in Anatomy from the University of Calabar and is studying B.Sc. Environmental Health Science at the National Open University of Nigeria.

References

1. Aweda F. O., Falaiye A. O., Babatunde G. J. (2017). Elemental concentration of harmattan dust sample in Iwo and Oyo town, South West Nigeria. Bowen University. https://ir.bowen.edu.ng:8443/handle/123456789/1007
2. NASA Earth Observatory. “Choking on Saharan Dust.” https://science.nasa.gov/earth/earth-observatory/choking-on-saharan-dust-144970/
3. Chemical Characterization of Harmattan Dust across Oyo and Minna, Nigeria. Jordan Journal of Physics. https://jjp.yu.edu.jo/index.php/jjp/article/download/714/268/2716
4. Aweda F. O. et al. (2017), as above (Iwo and Oyo samples). https://ir.bowen.edu.ng:8443/handle/123456789/1007
5. Mineralogical Characteristics of Harmattan Dust Across Jos North Central and Potiskum North Eastern Cities of Nigeria (University of Ilorin, Department of Physics). https://www.arxiv.org/pdf/1806.11557
6. Indoor and outdoor dust in Damaturu, Nigeria: composition, exposure and risk to human health. Cranfield University. https://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/8376
7. Impact of dust particles on air quality and associated human health in Ilorin, Nigeria. FUDMA/FUDutsinma Journal of Sciences. https://fjs.fudutsinma.edu.ng/index.php/fjs/article/download/415/265
8. Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. “3rd March 2026 | Public Health Advisory on Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM).” https://www.ncdc.gov.ng/news/535/3rd-march-2026-%7C-public-health-advisory-on-cerebrospinal-meningitis-%28csm%29