Jamaicans warned to reduce Saharan dust exposure amid health concerns

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has renewed its call for Jamaicans to cut down contact with Saharan dust now over the island, saying heavy exposure may lead to breathing-related and other health issues.

In an advisory released on Saturday, the ministry said fine dust in the air can raise the likelihood of respiratory complications, among them asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), respiratory infections and allergic reactions.

Health officials also cautioned that the dust could irritate the eyes and skin, while also creating concerns for water quality.

The Met Service has reported that hazy weather is expected across the week. People who already have respiratory illnesses, or are more likely to develop them, have been encouraged to remain indoors where possible, use face masks, and shield their eyes and skin if they go outside.

The ministry is also asking the public to practise regular handwashing, avoid rubbing the eyes, properly treat harvested water, and cover water kept for drinking or preparing food.

Saharan dust is a large dry mass of sand and mineral matter blown from the Sahara Desert and carried by trade winds across the Atlantic Ocean over long distances. During spring and summer, it commonly moves into the Caribbean, the United States Gulf Coast and parts of Europe.