Health Authorities Take Action to Avoid the Harmful Effects of Saharan Dust

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(Greg Scott Facebook page)

CARPHA: Take Action to Avoid the Harmful Effects of Saharan Dust

 

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. 10 February, 2024. The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) is urging persons to protect themselves against adverse health effects of a Saharan dust plume, which has covered many parts of the Caribbean.

 

The Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) in a Dust Bulletin dated February 9th, 2024 stated, “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).

 

Dr Joy St John, Executive Director, CARPHA, explained “Saharan dust worsens air quality and increases the levels of particulate matter in the air. This can be hazardous, especially to small children, older adults and people with underlying lung conditions and chronic cardiopulmonary diseases”. Dr St John added, “Saharan dust can also worsen the health symptoms of those who suffer from asthma, allergies and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)”.

 

In light of the poor air quality levels, CARPHA is encouraging persons to take steps to avoid the harmful effects of Saharan dust. These include:

 

  • Stay indoors as much as possible and when outdoors, wear a dust mask (eg. KN95)

 

  • Utilise a HEPA filter indoors to purify air in individual rooms

 

  • Persons who use medications for pulmonary conditions should carry them at all times and use as prescribed

 

  • At the first sign of difficulty while breathing, seek professional medical advice immediately

 

  • For less severe symptoms, standard allergy medications such as antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays may alleviate symptoms

 

For more information, please see the attached CIMH Dust Bulletin.

 

 

 

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2 COMMENTS

  1. Miss leading headline… That’s not taking action that’s an advisory… I swear these small island try come-off as if they doing something. “Taking action ” haha that’s for people who don’t know no better and never travel to believe this crap 😂. Question how does these great geniuses take action from the Saharan dust?….Antigua can’t even take action in town from the filth one of the easiest challenges. I’m sorry carry on with your impressions of doing something (propagandist)

  2. Actually Mr Samuel it’s not very misleading because for years I have not heard health authorities say anything about the dust. I hear the met office commenting but I never heard the Chief medical officer commenting (but maybe I missed something).
    I always wondered why but come to think of it, is there a Chief Medical Officer?

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