In anticipation of gradual retreat of the African dust that the meteorologists have announced, the landscape still remains cloudy and suffocating in several regions of the country with the image, for the second day, being eerie. And if the orange veil that referred… to Sahara subsides from midday, the apnea, which combined with the prevailing high temperatures, compose a dangerous mixture for our health. A fact that mobilized the medical associations and the Ministry of Health and Work who recommend vulnerable groups not to be exposed for long hours outside and to wear masks.
The EAGME electron microscope findings
Her study is extremely interesting Hellenic Authority for Geological and Mining Research which he collected and analyzed using the new state-of-the-art JSM-IT500L Scanning Electron Microscope, which has the ability to magnify up to 300,000 times, sample of African dust which has covered Attica. The evidence shows what scientists have been warning for a long time. That is, apart from the African dust, dangerous elements pass through our respiratory system (particulate matter) which are transferred thanks to it.
In particular, while visually the dust does not exceed 10μm in size, its chemical composition includes the elements aluminum (Al), silicon (Si) and calcium (Ca) with a minimum percentage of iron (Fe) and titanium (Ti). And as pointed out in the EAGME announcement, the African dust is in essence a plaything that floats and moves due to the wind and its small size.
Gradual retreat from the west of the country
The African dust that carries particles in a wide range of sizes, such as PM10, PM2.5 or even much smaller, while it can also carry pollutants from the atmosphere according to ERT meteorologist Panagiotis Yiannopoulos, is gradually moving away from the west of the country. In particular, this afternoon the phenomenon will have been limited to the eastern Aegean and by evening the atmosphere will have cleared.
How will we protect ourselves?
According to experts, African dust can cause exacerbations of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, so patients with respiratory problems should not be exposed for long hours outside and wear masks.
The Ministry of Healthfollowing the regular information provided by the Ministry of Environment and Energy and within the framework of its responsibilities for the protection of public health, recommends the following instructions for informing the public with precautionary measures as follows:
A. Recommendations for people at increased risk
- People with respiratory problem
- Heart patients
- children and
- the people over 65 years old
they should avoid any physical exercise-activity outdoors. Also, it is recommended to avoid staying outdoors especially in areas with increased traffic.
- People with asthma reliever inhalations may be needed more often. If symptoms persist, it is recommended to contact the attending physician.
B. Recommendations to the general population
Every person is advised to avoid any physical exercise outdoors and to limit the time spent outdoors especially in areas with increased traffic. While staying indoors keep doors, patio doors and windows closed.
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