Saharan dust eases but ‘health risks persist’ amid rising heat

As Saharan dust concentrations ease across Barbados, a top medical spokesperson warned that lingering air quality issues combined with intensifying summer heat continue to pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable people.

The island, including much of the Eastern Caribbean, has been blanketed by Saharan dust for much of the past week, reducing visibility and triggering respiratory concerns. Meteorologist David Harding reported on Monday that dust concentrations across Barbados and its marine area had decreased sufficiently and no longer warranted an advisory.

Despite the improvement, president of the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP), Dr Lynda Williams, warned that the lingering effects of Saharan dust and the onset of intense summer heat could continue to impact vulnerable groups.

She advised people with asthma, allergic rhinitis and sinusitis to remain diligent with their prescribed medications.

“My messaging for people who are asthmatic, who have allergic rhinitis [or] sinusitis that’s been diagnosed, [is] to please use your medications as they have been prescribed by your doctor,” Dr Williams said.

She stressed the importance of maintenance treatments, particularly steroid inhalers and nasal sprays, which can help prevent dust from triggering severe respiratory episodes.

“If you must go outside, you can wear a mask or you can limit your time outside because on days like how it was yesterday, it’s really bad, and lots of people had respiratory difficulties.”

Dr Williams also noted an increase in eye- and skin-related complaints linked to the environmental conditions.

“We’re seeing a lot more patients with dry eye, [so] who are on eye drops should use their eye drops as well,” she said. “I want people to also be aware that for some people, they’re getting skin irritation, and exacerbation of eczema and sunburn because it’s deceptive. It looks as if we have a lot of cloud cover but really and truly, there’s a lot of UV light still coming through.”

Turning to the issue of extreme heat, Dr Williams said climate change was contributing to more frequent and intense heat events across the region.

“Heat is going to be a perennial problem. All of this Sahara dust, all of these things that we’re seeing are a result of climate change,” she said.

The physician emphasised that proper hydration remains the most effective defence against heat-related illnesses.

“The best way of preventing sickness from heat is hydration. Staying hydrated…water, sometimes people have to drink coconut water, but mostly water,” she said, adding that people with kidney disease should consult their doctors before using electrolyte supplements.

Dr Williams also expressed concern about outdoor workers and athletes who may underestimate the effects of prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

“We’re seeing a lot of people who are not aware that they’re getting dehydrated. They’re presenting with kidney stones because of exposure to extreme temperatures and not taking sufficient water,” she said.

She urged anyone engaged in outdoor work, sports or other strenuous activities to remain hydrated to help prevent heatstroke and other serious complications.

(SB)