Harmattan in Ghana, which starts from mid-November to mid-March, comes with a rise in dust levels, and according to air quality experts, the air quality becomes very hazardous for breathing.
During this period, health experts and practitioners have warned that respiratory related health problems will be high especially among those who will be exposed to the poor air quality in this season.
The Environmental Protection Agency in a statement, has warned that their “monitoring stations in the University of Ghana and Adabraka showed increased levels of airborne particulate matter (dust matter), with an Air Quality Index (AQI) between unhealthy (Red) and very unhealthy (purple) from 13th December, 2024”.
They further warned that vulnerable groups especially the elderly, children, pregnant women and people with respiratory diseases and complications, and other persons with underlining health conditions should limit their engagement in outdoor activities particularly during this season.
The EPA also mentioned certain precautionary measures that people should undertake to stay safe:
- Use pollution marks where necessary.
- Desist from open burning of waste and other materials.
- Sprinkle water on dusty surfaces before sweeping, to reduce dust emissions.
- Vehicle users should reduce speeding on untarred roads to reduce dust emissions.
These precautionary measures given by the EPA encourage people to stay safe especially during this season where there is a rise in dust levels which threatens the air quality in the country.
As advised early, people should reduce their participation in outdoor activities in order not to expose themselves to the poor quality and poisonous substances which are on the rise in this season. Wearing of face masks is also very important as they reduce the risk of inhaling dust substances when outside.
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