Chester Sambrano
The Ministry of Health is advising people to take precautions as a result of Saharan Dust.
The Ministry said in a statement issued on January 31, the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service indicated that the highest concentration of Saharan Dust is expected from January 31 to February 3.
Additionally, readings taken at the EMA’s Monitoring Stations at 9:00 am on February 1 stated that the increase in Particulate Matter, which is attributed to Saharan dust, has registered as unhealthy on the Air Quality Index (AQI), with the Particulate Matter levels ranging between 152-156.
The Ministry of Health said it notes that Saharan dust may contain various particles which can decrease the quality of air and may cause symptoms such as a dry cough, sore throat, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and runny nose.
It said high levels of Saharan dust may also exacerbate illness in people at high risk of respiratory complications including persons with pre-existing lung conditions such as asthma and or bronchitis, persons with pre-existing heart disease, the elderly, and children.
The Ministry said vulnerable individuals may choose to stay indoors where appropriate to minimize the effects, partake in less strenuous outdoor activity e.g. walking instead of running, and those with pre-existing conditions are advised to ensure that their rescue inhaler is with them at all times and wear a mask where appropriate.
It said while people may experience symptoms during the days of a Sahara dust event, these symptoms should decrease as the dust levels reduce.
The Ministry of Health said people who experience severe shortness of breath (difficulty breathing), persistent fever (for more than 2-3 days) or a severe worsening of a pre-existing condition should seek urgent medical attention.