The Ministry of Health has warned that a plume of Saharan dust that is approaching St. Vincent and the Grenadines, could result in untoward impact on residents, especially those with respiratory diseases
The Meteorological Services at the Argyle International Airport said that the plume is anticipated to begin affecting the nation from late today (Saturday) and intensifying early Sunday.
The maps tracking this Saharan dust plume show particle matter (PM) 2.5 and 10 respectively both indicating concentrations exceeding the accepted health level according to the Air Quality Index Chart.
“Based on the latest forecast, SVG will be at the Orange Level which is ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ from Saturday to early Tuesday – Feb. 23,” the ministry said.
“Gradual improvement can be expected on late Tuesday.”
The ministry is advising the public that particles contained within the Saharan dust haze could cause dry cough, sore throat, itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, or runny nose.
“The anticipated concentrations of the Saharan dust may severely affect persons with respiratory diseases such as asthma and persons with pre-existing heart disease,” the ministry said.
The ministry continued:
“The elderly and children are also vulnerable at this time. Persons with respiratory issues and allergies are asked keep with them at all times any and all medications, including asthma inhalers, in case of emergency.
“Persons should limit their exposure to the Saharan dust by staying indoors when possible or wearing a dust mask if they must go outdoors.
“Affected persons should seek medical attention at their nearest health care center if they experience severe symptoms as a result of increasing levels of Saharan dust.”
Since it is a proven fact that the usual masks we wear have absolutely NO protection from the Corona Virus, (ORIGINALLY TONY FAUCHI ADMITTED THIS, UNTIL THE PAPER MASKS INDUSTRY ALONE BOOMED AN ADDITIONAL 167 BILLION US DOLLARS to help Big Pharma), I wonder if the masks are in any way effective against this dust.
This has been coming to the Caribbean for about 4000 years, it is nothing new. We had it last year and every year before that. 6,000 years ago, the vast Sahara Desert was covered in forest and grassland that received plenty of rainfall. The people cut down the forests and burnt the wood, that brought about a thousand years of little or no rain. All the loose soils gradually blew away leaving the solids, sand and rock..