Temporal Trends in Ambient Fine Particulate Matter Air Pollution in Grenada, West Indies in 2020

Routine collection of ambient air quality data is rare in the Caribbean. To assess the potential for health impacts from exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5), an exposure study in Grenada was conducted. This study looked to characterize temporal trends of PM2.5 and changes in the concentrations of this pollutant during dust storms. Four fixed-site stationary monitors were installed in Grenada and one on neighbouring island of Carriacou. They continuously captured PM2.5 concentrations between January 6 and October 31, 2020. Regression analyses were performed to describe associations between ambient PM2.5 and meteorological variables. Daily mean PM2.5 concentrations were approximately 2.5 times higher on Saharan dust days than non-Saharan dust days (8.9 vs 3.6 ug/m3; p<0.05). Concentrations measured during the June 2020 Saharan dust storm exceeded the World Health Organization's 24-hour guideline. While concentrations of PM2.5 are low in Grenada relative to other countries, they still pose a health hazard.