Road traffic is the main anthropogenic source of pollution. In S/C de Tenerife, with a population of nearly 219,000 inhabitants, such dispersive conditions are diminished when the winds come from the east/southeast because the Anaga Massif circles the city to the north/northwest.

In early 2026, the primary reason for poor air quality in Tenerife is a meteorological phenomenon known as "Calima." This occurs when strong easterly winds blow massive clouds of fine Sahara Desert dust across the Atlantic from the African coast to the Canary Islands. During a Calima event, the air becomes thick with reddish particulate matter (PM10), reducing visibility and causing a "haze" that can lead to respiratory irritation, especially for those with asthma. This is often exacerbated by a "temperature inversion," which traps dust and local pollutants (like vehicle emissions in Santa Cruz) close to the ground. While the islands are usually known for their fresh Atlantic air, these 2026 dust events have become more frequent and intense, often lasting 3 to 5 days and requiring health advisories for locals and tourists to avoid strenuous outdoor activity until the winds shift.