African powder: The effects on health, protection and most vulnerable groups

Or it can affect anyone. But as is generally the case with particle pollution, it disturbs some people more than others. Large proportions have taken the problem to . Concern – and rightly so – has once again caused the transport of African dust to our country, with Crete, in fact, to have a serious problem. The African powder, however, or “sahara powder” as it is also known, does not only affect the European South as a phenomenon, but can travel around the world: in parts of Europe, South America, Central America, the Caribbean and the United States, causing problems wherever it goes. How African dust can affect our health As stated in their relevant instructions, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – CDC, African dust can be harmful to our health. The particles of which it consists can by inhalation enter the lungs and the bloodstream, possibly causing asthma attacks in people who have asthma and aggravating other respiratory diseases. African dust, after all, worsens air quality and increases particle levels in the air. African dust can affect anyone. But as is generally the case with particle pollution, it disturbs some people more than others. People who are more likely to face health problems caused by exposure to African dust are: * Children and babies * Older adults * People with underlying pulmonary diseases * People with chronic cardiopulmonary diseases If you have asthma, African powder may worsen your symptoms. Follow your asthma action plan carefully in the days when pollution levels are high. The largest particles of dust can irritate the skin and eyes. Smaller particles enter the body and cause respiratory disorders and cardiovascular events. The Sahara powder has been associated with increased visits to the emergency room for: – Asthma – Chronic Pneumonopathy (CDP) – Respiratory infections According to another source, however, the chemical composition of African dust also contains many harmful and health-threatening minerals and pathogenic microorganisms. How can I protect myself and my family from African dust? The good news is that there is much you can do to protect yourself and your family from the health effects that African dust causes. When dust levels are high, take steps to limit the amount of air you breathe while outside. For example: * Consider spending more time indoors, where pollution levels from dust are usually lower. * Choose easier outdoor activities (such as walking instead of running) to avoid breathing with much force. There are also experts, such as the Professor of Pneumonology of the University of Crete, Nikos Tzanakis, who recommend, if one should go out and have health problems with the respiratory or heart, to wear a high protection mask, from those we wore during the coronavirus era. source: Iatropedia.gr