During the last period, there has been a frequent emergence of the African dust in our country, which can burden the health of citizens and in particular the vulnerable groups of the population. The phenomenon is expected to come back periodically, and is observed during specific times.
With the main focus on the protection of public health, the National Public Health Organization (EDY) informs and constitutes protection measures from African dust.
What are clouds of African dust and what they consist of
The long -range (thousands of kilometers) desert dust airing around the planet is a natural phenomenon that plays a central role in the composition of the atmosphere and in the environment as well as in the formation of weather conditions and climate. Dust transport episodes are generally seasonal. In Europe and Greece, in particular, dust episodes are more common in spring.
The African dust, which may, at times affect our country, comes primarily from the Sahara desert of North Africa and consists of sand and dust particles of various sizes. The composition of the particles depends on both their source and the path/trajectory to follow and may include chemicals (inorganic and organic) and microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi). The integration of microorganisms should not be concerned because the airborne microorganisms are a common component of the atmosphere and air pollution. In addition, there is not to date sufficient scientific evidence to prove that the possible dispersion of pathogens through dust transport also causes infectious diseases.
Who may be in danger of African dust?
African dust can affect anyone but the risk is greater for vulnerable groups of the population, such as:
Children and babies
People> 65 years old
People with chronic respiratory diseases, mainly bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
People with chronic cardiovascular disease
Possible symptoms of exposure to African dust
Exposure to African dust has been associated with:
Eye irritation (itching, wet eyes, tear)
Irritation of the upper respiratory system, such as nose and oral cavity (nasal runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, dinner)
Irritation of the lower respiratory system (difficulty breathing or shortness
Worsening allergic reactions (skin redness, itching)
Also, African dust has been linked to increased visits to the hospital emergency departments for:
Exacerbation of bronchial asthma
Exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Acidic cardiovascular disease
Instructions for the public
Asthma & other respiratory diseases
If you suffer from bronchial asthma, African dust can aggravate your symptoms. You may need to increase the dosage or frequency of inhaled drugs on days when the dust concentration is high. Carefully follow your personalized treatment plan for asthma, according to your doctor’s instructions.
If you use some respiratory disease for respiratory disease, which includes a respiratory device, make sure you have it with you. Use it according to your doctor’s instructions.
For mild gravity clinical symptoms, mainly due to allergic rhinitis, common formulations to relieve allergic reactions, such as antihistamine and steroidal spray, can lighten your symptoms. Consult your doctor.
Cardiovascular disease
If you suffer from cardiovascular disease, inhalation of African dust may cause:
Pain or tightening in the chest
Fast or arrogant heartbeat
Feeling of shortness of breath, suffocation or drowning
More fatigue/payment than usual
If you present any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately to receive the necessary care and advice. Be sure to tell your doctor if symptoms worsen or last longer than usual.
What can you do to protect yourself and your family
Stay up to date. Watch reports on air quality and meteorological forecasts to know when African dust levels are expected to be high.
When dust levels are high, take measures:
Limit activities outdoors
Limit the activities outdoors or unnecessary travel activities to the minimum possible.
Stay indoors such as home or office. If it is necessary to go out, minimize time for travel and outdoor stay.
Prefer the car for your commute. It is recommended to keep the windows closed and to have the ventilation system enabled in internal recycling mode.
Avoid intense physical work or sporting activity, such as cycling, running or walking outdoors, sports workouts or even open spaces (swimming pools, stadiums, stadiums). Transfer such activities to appropriate closed sports classrooms or postpone them for other days, if possible.
Use high respiratory protection masks. When you go out, especially in high dust concentrations, it is recommended to wear high respiratory protection mask (FFP2/ KN95/ N95) to reduce particle inhalation.
Take steps to improve air quality in the indoors
Keep a good level of air quality at home, in the office, etc.
Minimize external air penetration, keeping – as much as possible – windows and doors.
Improve the insulation of the interiors (doors and windows) to prevent dust from entering the interior.
Turn on the air cleaning device on time – if any – and make sure it has the right filters and works properly.
Clean with damp cloth contact surfaces, such as tables and benches, and mop the floor.
Avoid activities that exacerbate indoor air quality, such as smoking, vacuum cleaner use, throttle cooking, candles and fireplaces.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water.
Instructions for pupils’ protection in schools
Avoid and restrict external activities
Transfer the course of the gym from the outdoors in an appropriate closed sports hall. Since there is no possibility, the lesson for sports can be done in the normal class of children or in safe interior school spaces.
Postpone any educational visits (eg theaters, museums) or school trips.
Advise students to avoid activities with intense physical activity, such as football matches or other competitive sports during breaks, and encourage alternative activities.
Take care of good air quality in the classes.
Minimize outdoor air penetration indoors, keeping the windows and doors closed as possible in the classrooms throughout the school period.
Make sure that all the surfaces of contact and work (eg tables, benches) be cleaned before starting the courses.
Give instructions to cleaning personnel so that after the end of the day the classrooms can be migrated and all the contact and work surfaces are cleaned with a wet cloth (eg tables, benches).
Source: RES – EIA
Source: Sport Fm
I am currently a news writer for News Bulletin247 where I mostly cover sports news. I have always been interested in writing and it is something I am very passionate about. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family and friends.
