Met Office forecasts Sahara-dusty Xmas Day

THE public should brace itself for a dusty Christmas Day, as the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Office’s dust index forecast predicts very high levels of Sahara dust on December 25.

The levels are expected to decrease by December 28.

The Northern Range and the skies were blanketed with dust on Christmas Eve, making breathing difficult and greatly reducing visibility.

The dust index predicts approximately 275 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m3) of air on Christmas Day and had predicted 251 µg/m3 on Christmas Eve.

On December 24, the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) said the current air-quality levels were unhealthy, based on the air-quality monitoring stations at Arima, Port of Spain and Pt Lisas.

In a statement, the EMA said the increase in particulate matter is attributed to Sahara dust and the levels range between 158 and 163.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, particulate matter contains microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they can be inhaled and cause serious health problems.

Levels over 100-150 are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups and over 150-200 is unhealthy for everyone.

It said everyone, and in particular, sensitive groups including older adults, children and individuals with heart or lung disease, respiratory ailments and allergies is strongly advised to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.

The EMA said the air quality levels at the Pt Lisas monitoring station is at 150, meaning the air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups.

It advised members of the public to visit the EMA’s website and social media pages for daily updates on air quality.

The EMA said real-time updates on air quality can also be accessed on its website.

The Health Ministry has also advised the public to take precautions to protect themselves from the harmful effects of Sahara dust, in light of ongoing poor air quality.

The ministry said Sahara 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 a runny nose.

It said high levels of Sahara dust may also exacerbate illness in people at high risk of respiratory complications including people with pre-existing lung conditions such as asthma and or bronchitis; people with pre-existing heart disease; the elderly; and children.

It said vulnerable people can choose to stay indoors where appropriate to minimise the effects; do less strenuous outdoor activity like walking instead of running; and wear a mask where possible. People with pre-existing conditions are advised to ensure they have their rescue inhaler with them at all times.

The ministry said while people may experience symptoms during the days of a Sahara dust event, these should decrease as the dust levels reduce. It said people who experience severe shortness of breath (difficulty breathing), persistent fever (for more than two-three days), or a severe worsening of a pre-existing condition should seek urgent medical attention.

The Health Ministry said it would continue to provide updates to the public as necessary.