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Dust storms are a common phenomenon, with significant impact on air pollution. Quantitative information on the influence of dust storms on particulate matter (PM) in the indoor environment is still lacking. Real-time PM10 and PM2.5 levels were measured simultaneously in outdoor and indoor air during dust events. A two-step multivariate analysis revealed factors controlling the PM levels. The results showed that during dust events average outdoor concentrations for PM10 and PM2.5 may reach 551 mu g m(-3) and 299 mu g m(-3), respectively. Indoor PM10 and PM2.5 levels may reach concentrations of 517 mu g m(-3) and 282 mu g m(-3), respectively. The analysis revealed a significant contribution of dust events to the indoor PM levels. The decreased in PM2.5/PM10 ratio in both environments during dust storms, indicating on 82% infiltration of the PM2.5 fraction into houses. The results serve to improve our understanding of dust storm, which may have implications for air quality and health issues. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.