The Directorate-General for Health has advised children, the elderly and patients with respiratory and cardiovascular problems to stay at home as long as the dust from North Africa remains in the air.
In a statement published on the DGS website "on March 31st, there will be high concentrations of dust, decreasing gradually throughout the day", this mass of air from North Africa is causing "poor air quality on the continent" only improved with the occurrence of predicted rainfall in some areas of the country, reducing particulate concentrations in the air.
"This pollutant (inhalable particles - PM10) has effects on human health, especially in the most sensitive population, namely children and the elderly", reminds DGS, advising even the general population to avoid intense activity and exercising in the open air.
"In case of worsening symptoms, contact Linha Saúde 24 (808 24 24 24) or go to your health service", adds DGS.
On its website, the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) says that, with the approach of a new depression at the end of today, with rain forecast from April 1st, the concentration of dust will tend to decrease.
Original article available in Portuguese at http://postal.pt/
Comments
Thanks Doctor Steve for your latest rant from across the pond.
Not even a mask can protect you from the very fine particles. The only thing a mask will do is nebulize the bigger aerosol particles into smaller ones that can bypass mucosal membranes.