The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that the level of particulate matter (dust particles) in the atmosphere caused by the Saharan Dust Plume has decreased, resulting in a slight improvement in air quality and visibility compared to Wednesday.
The EPA made this disclosure in a release yesterday, updating the advisory it posted on January 31.
According to the release, despite the slight improvement in air quality and visibility, the EPA’s Air Quality Sensors located at Whim, Eccles, Central Georgetown, Vilvoorden, and Linden, indicate that particulate matter levels are still significantly above the World Health Organization standard for ‘Good’ air quality.
Consequently, the EPA has advised that caution be taken on the roadways and that the elderly, children, and persons with respiratory and skin conditions take necessary precautions. During this time, persons are encouraged to limit time spent outdoors and to wear dust masks where practicable.
Data collected by the EPA on the Saharan Dust Plume within the last 2 years indicate that peak concentrations may occur in January, March, April, August and September. Any changes to this forecast will be reported by the EPA, the release added.
Persons wishing a near real-time update on the Air Quality Index in their area can visit the EPA’s website: https://epaguyana.org/ and select the ‘Your Environment’ tab and then click ‘Air quality Data’.
