Take precautions against Saharan dust

A general practitioner is advising Barbadians to take additional precautions to reduce the side effects from the Sahara dust haze expected to affect the island over the next few days.

Dr Sheena Weekes of HummingBird Healing Medical Practice told Barbados TODAY that adults and children known to have nasal/eye allergies and respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) must ensure they have up-to-date and easily accessible medication, and should check their eye drops, nasal sprays and inhalers to ensure they are not expired. The doctor said it was especially important that asthmatics travel with their rescue inhalers close to their hand and if they have been prescribed a controller inhaler they should make sure it is taken as prescribed.

Dr Weekes also urged asthmatics to review their asthma action plan if they have one.

She said persons should: “Limit exposure to the dust. Spending more time indoors and avoiding strenuous physical activity outdoors while the dust concentrations are at their peak. After spending time outdoors be sure to change your clothes once you have gone indoors.

“If you are especially sensitive to the effects of the dust using an N-95 face mask can be helpful in further reducing exposure. If in spite of using your medications as prescribed you do experience worsening of your allergic symptoms, respiratory symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath do not hesitate to seek medical attention,” Dr Weekes said.

On Monday, in a weather information statement, the Barbados Meteorological Services (BMS) said it was monitoring a thick concentration of Saharan dust haze in the central Atlantic that is expected to start affecting the island by Wednesday and continue through Friday.

The forecasters cautioned that the impact of the dust haze would vary according to the sensitivity of individuals and the extent of the exposure.

The BMS said persons with respiratory ailments such as asthma and sinusitis could be affected, noting that irritation of the eyes, nose and throat were potential effects of the dust haze.

The Met Office said it will continue to closely monitor the progress of the dust haze and will issue updates as warranted.

According to the National Meteorological Library and Archive, the Saharan dust is a mixture of sand dust from the Sahara, the vast desert area that covers most of North Africa.

Once it is lifted by strong winds, clouds of dust can reach high altitudes and be transported worldwide, covering thousands of miles. As raindrops fall, it collects particles of dust on its way down.
anestahenry@barbadostoday.bb