The Trinidad-Based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is urging people to protect themselves against the adverse health effects of a Saharan dust plume covering many parts of the region.
CARPHA, in a statement, noted that the Barbados-based Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH), in a Dust Bulletin, said “it is highly likely that particulate matter levels will be above the 24-hour outdoor air quality guidelines” as established by the World Health Organization (WHO).
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CARPHA’s Executive Director, Dr. Joy St. John, has warned that “Saharan dust worsens air quality and increases the levels of particulate matter in the air”…a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets in the air.
She said it could be hazardous, especially to small children, older adults, and people with underlying lung conditions and chronic cardio-pulmonary diseases.
St. John said that dust can also worsen the health symptoms of those who have asthma, allergies, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
CARPHA says due to poor air quality, it’s encouraging people to protect themselves from the Saharan dust, including staying indoors as much as possible, and when outdoors, wear a dust mask.
In addition, CARPHA is also recommending that people utilize a HEPA filter indoors to purify air in individual rooms and that those who use medications for pulmonary conditions should carry them at all times and use them as prescribed.
At the first sign of difficulty while breathing, it’s advised that affected individuals should seek professional medical advice immediately and for less severe symptoms, standard allergy medications such as antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays may alleviate symptoms.
