Qamar, Wajhul ， Rahman, Shakilur ， Alqahtani, Faleh ， Ali, Raisuddin ， Beigh, Saba ， Nasr, Fahd A.
2026-05-13 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2026 null(卷), null(期), (null页)
The investigation aimed to assess the hazard posed by sand particles originating from Al-Dahna desert in Saudi Arabia that encompasses the Riyadh province. Sand samples were collected from different locations outside Riyadh city. Sand samples collected from five locations were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) for estimating the particle size range and particles' morphology. Inorganic elements in particles were also studied using Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). To assess the toxicological effects on the biological system, in-vitro toxicity assessments in A549 lung cell lines were conducted. The effects were estimated after exposure to different concentrations of sand particles. Findings of the investigation indicate that sand around Riyadh city contains PM10 and PM2.5 particles that are known to reach the deeper parts of the lungs. Data also exhibit sand particle effects on cell proliferation by oxidative stress induction. It can be concluded that the sandstorms arising in Saudi Arabia potentially contain airborne PM10 and PM2.5 originating from deserts and can have toxic health effects associated with the respiratory system during and immediately after a dust storm event.