Today, Wednesday (24/4), it is expected to recede African dust wave which he has created eerie images in Athens, Thessaloniki and other major cities of the country.
According to the maps presented by National Observatory of Athens and the meteo servicethe African dust begins to move eastward, “relieving” the Greek atmosphere from the large amounts.
Already in the morning, the situation seems to be improving as, according to the data, its intensity has subsided.
In the following maps you can see the course that the African dust will follow within today. It is noted that (in order), the maps are for 12:00 p.m., 15:00 p.m., 18:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
The country was “choked” by the African dust
On Tuesday (23/4), they were introduced satellite data which showed how large the concentration of African dust was in the country.
In particular, satellite data from the American NASA Aqua satellite that passed over our country on the morning of Tuesday, April 23, showed in high resolution the intense wave of African dust “Minerva red» that took place in the Eastern Mediterranean region affecting Greece to a very large extent.
The shallow low in the area of Sirte, moving towards Greece, carried a lot large amounts of African dust greatly hampering air quality, creating an eerie red-sky scene.
Health effects of African dust and protection guidelines
Dust, according to experts, can significantly affect the health of people who belong to vulnerable groups.
In detail, it has the following effects:
Respiratory effect: One of the primary health effects of African dust is its effect on respiratory health. Fine dust particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.
For people with conditions such as asthma, bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), exposure to these particles can worsen symptoms, leading to shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing and chest discomfort.
Allergies and irritation: African dust can cause allergic-type reactions in some people, respiratory tract irritation, nasal congestion, sneezing and watery eyes.
People with allergies or sensitivities to environmental factors may experience increased symptoms during periods of increased levels of African dust.
Cardiovascular effects: In addition to respiratory problems, exposure to African dust has been linked to cardiovascular problems. Particulate matter can contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress, and vasoconstriction, which can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases, especially in vulnerable populations.
Effect on the immune system: Prolonged exposure to African dust can also affect the immune system, making people more vulnerable to respiratory infections and other illnesses.
THE inflammatory response caused by dust particles can weaken the body’s defenses and make it difficult to fight pathogenic microorganisms.
Long-term health risks: Chronic exposure to African dust and its associated pollutants has been associated with long-term health risks, including respiratory disease, reduced lung function, cardiovascular disorders, and even some types of cancer.
Regarding protection instructions, the following are recommended:
- Stay informed: Monitor air quality reports and weather forecasts to know when African dust levels are expected to be high.
- Limit outdoor activities: If possible, avoid spending extended periods of time outdoors when dust levels are high, especially during windy days when particles are more likely to become airborne.
- Close the windows and doors: While homes and workplaces should generally be ventilated, during African dust peak periods, ventilate a little in the morning and then keep windows and doors closed to prevent dust particles from entering your home or workplace. If you have one, use air cleaners or filters to improve indoor air quality.
- Use masks: When going outside, especially in dusty conditions, consider wearing a mask to reduce inhalation of dust particles.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water.
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