The Guyana Hydro-meteorological Services released a statement on Wednesday morning, where they indicated that a moderate concentration of Saharan dust is present in the atmosphere and is expected to increase.
“Persons sensitive to changes in air quality are advised to take the necessary precautions,” the Special Information Advisory said.
This phenomenon can cause respiratory issues, and as such, persons are advised to wear masks and other measures of protection.
On Tuesday, the Environmental Protection Agency also notified the public of the visible haze around the East Bank Demerara and East Coast Demerara regions- areas along the coast.
“EPA’s air quality sensors have detected a significantly high air quality index, which signifies poor air quality conditions, mainly due to a high concentration of particulate matter in the atmosphere due to the Sahara dust and high humidity.”
Dust particles from the Sahara Desert are picked up by winds and transported over the Atlantic Ocean, towards tropical regions.
The EPA advises persons to limit their time spent outdoors and wear appropriate dust masks.
The dust particles can potentially cause a dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, itchy or watery eyes, and sneezing, among other ailments.
The EPA has stated that it will notify the public when the air quality is within normal parameter ranges.