Protect yourself from Saharan Dust – Health Ministry warns vulnerable groups

The Health Ministry is warning persons with vulnerable conditions to protect themselves amid the low air quality brought on by the Saharan Dust, which can post significant health risks.
Poor air quality conditions have been detected on the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara, and in some parts of Georgetown. 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, 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 has 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 has 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.”
The Environmental Protection Agency has reportedly predicted that this Saharan Dust phenomenon is expected to last until February 7. The agency had said its air quality sensors located at Whim; West Coast Berbice; Eccles, East Bank Demerara; Vilvoorden; Central Georgetown; and Linden in Region 10 all show particulate matter levels significantly above the WHO standard for ‘good’ air quality.
It has been forecasted that the haze caused by Saharan Dust would continue to develop; and, as such, extra caution should be taken on the roadways.
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 as they travel over the Atlantic Ocean and 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.