The Directorate-General for Health today recommended that children, the elderly, people with chronic respiratory problems and cardiovascular patients remain at home whenever possible due to the concentration of dust in the air from North Africa.
According to the Directorate-General for Health (DGS), an air mass from the deserts of North Africa, which carries suspended dust, is expected to cross mainland Portugal during today and Tuesday.
«A situation of poor air quality is expected on the continent, with an increase in concentrations of inhalable particles of natural origin in the air affecting, namely, the regions of Alentejo, Algarve and the interior of the Center region», refers to the DGS in a statement published on its website.
According to the DGS, this pollutant (inhalable particles – PM10) has effects on human health, mainly on the most sensitive population, children and the elderly, whose health care must be redoubled during the occurrence of these situations.
As long as this phenomenon continues, the Directorate-General for Health issues a set of recommendations for the general population and for those who are in a situation of greater vulnerability.
The general population should avoid prolonged exertion, limit outdoor physical activity and exposure to risk factors such as tobacco smoke and contact with irritating products.
Children, the elderly, patients with chronic respiratory problems, namely asthma, and cardiovascular patients, in addition to complying with the recommendations for the general population, should, whenever feasible, remain inside the buildings and, preferably, with the windows closed , due to «its greater vulnerability to the effects of this phenomenon».
The health authority advises chronically ill patients to maintain ongoing medical treatments and, in the event of worsening symptoms, contact Linha Saúde 24 (808 24 24 24) or go to a health service.
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