Dusty Dry Air: EPA issues red alert; recommends nose mask wearing, less outdoor activities

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has advised the public, especially children, pregnant women, older adults, and persons with pre-existing heart and lung diseases, to wear nose masks to stay safe from the current dusty dry air (Particulate Matter 2.5).

The Agency has also cautioned susceptible persons to limit outdoor activities, noting that the pollution levels could trigger allergic reactions and worsen conditions, including asthma.

The main constituent of the dust is Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 – fine (smaller) particles that can penetrate deep into the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, impairing the normal function of organs, which is hazardous to health.

PMs are seen and unseen tiny pieces of solids or liquids in the air. The particles include dust, dirt, soot, and smoke.

A source at the EPA told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the Agency’s air quality monitoring stations at the University of Ghana and Adabraka showed increased levels of dust due to the onset of the harmattan season.

The observation, which began on December 13, 2024, has an Air Quality Index ranging from unhealthy for sensitive groups to very unhealthy from December 13 to date.

The EPA’s observation aligns with information from the Ghana Meteorological Agency’s daily forecast of significant dust in the air originating from the Sahel region, resulting in poor visibility.

Predictions are that the weather conditions can be experienced until the latter part of December.

In Accra, analysis of data collected in early December 2024 on the Breathe Accra Project websites showed high levels of pollution at all monitoring locations in the country.

Dr. Allison Felix Hughes, the Facility Manager of Afri-SET, a sensor evaluation center, who confirmed elevated levels of dust making the air unhealthy, appealed to the public not to spend much time outdoors as a first defense mechanism.

“If by any way you have to be out, then try to protect yourself by either wearing a face mask or limiting the number of hours outdoors to reduce exposure. This is a natural phenomenon. We have no control over it,” he said.

“It is during this period that you see hospital admissions growing with cases of asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases.”

He advised the public to stay safe by using pollution masks where necessary and to desist from open burning of waste and other materials. The public is also urged to sprinkle water on dusty surfaces before sweeping to reduce dust emissions. Vehicle users are also advised to reduce speeding on untarred roads to reduce dust emissions.

“Vehicles and other fuel-burning installations/machines, including generator sets, should be serviced regularly to optimize their functioning. Idling of their engines should be avoided,” he urged.