EPA sounds warning over gathering Sahara Dust threat

…urges public to take precautions, wear dust masks

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has sounded a note of warning over the gathering threat from the Sahara Dust phenomenon, noting that even now a visible haze is developing in Georgetown.
In a statement, the EPA noted that its air quality sensors in Eccles, East Bank of Demerara (EBD) and central Georgetown have detected air quality in the ‘moderate’ range’, which is above the World Health Organisation (WHO) Guidelines for good air quality.

“This is mainly due to an increase in particulate matter in the atmosphere and high humidity. Air quality may also be affected by the Saharan dust according to the following website: https://www.myfoxhurricane.com/saharan_dust_car.html,” the EPA said.
Further, the EPA went on to urge members of the public to take precautionary measures to protect their health, including by limiting the time they spend outdoors. The agency also recommended that members of the public wear dust masks as practicable.
“The EPA will notify the public when the air quality returns to normal and within parameter ranges. For a near real-time update on the Air Quality Index near you, visit the EPA website: https://epaguyana.org and select the ‘Your Environment’ tab and then click ‘Air Quality Data’.”

The Saharan Dust Plume is a layer of sand, dirt and dust lifted from the Sahara Desert in North Africa. It is transported by the trade winds from North Africa over the Atlantic Ocean, through the Caribbean and South America. The reach of the plume is dependent on the wind and weather. The Saharan Dust Plume is a normal phenomenon that may occur several times throughout the year.
The elderly, children, and persons who have respiratory and skin conditions are being encouraged to take necessary precautions. During this time, persons are encouraged to spend more time indoors, and to wear dust masks as practicable.
Data collected by the EPA on the Saharan Dust Plume within the last two years indicates peak concentrations may occur in January, March, April, August and September.
The Health Ministry had previously warned persons with vulnerable conditions to protect themselves amid the low air quality brought on by the Saharan Dust, which can post significant health risks.
While particulate pollution would affect everyone, some people are more vulnerable to experiencing health problems. They include babies, children, older adults, and persons with asthma and other respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
According to the Health Ministry in February of this year, breathing in dust can immediately affect a person, causing coughing, asthma attacks, scratchy throat, irritated sinuses, and skin and eye irritation.
“This is a result of the Saharan Dust, a type of particulate matter that comes from the Sahara Desert in Northern Africa (and) can be harmful to your health,” the Health Ministry had said.
The dust comprises particles that can be blown through high-speed winds and transported thousands of miles through the air. The Health Ministry is advising that persons take necessary measures to reduce exposure to the polluted air. This can be done by limiting the amount of time spent outside.
“If you have to be outside, reduce your exposure to the dust by wearing an N95 or KN95 face mask. Ensure it fits tightly, and you wear it correctly at all times”, the Health Ministry had further advised.
It has also been recommended that persons perform easy activities, like walking as opposed to running. The ministry has outlined, “If you experience difficulty breathing, or other symptoms that are quickly progressing, visit your nearest health facility for medical assistance.”