(Trinidad Guardian) There was an increase in the number of people complaining about respiratory issues when they visited the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department and clinics in the North Central region as a result of the Saharan Air layer (SAL) or Saharan dust.
This was confirmed by chief executive officer of the North Central Regional Health Authority (NCRHA) Davlin Thomas yesterday.
It came after the T&T Meteorological Services reported a significant increase in Saharan dust, which is currently affecting the quality of the air in both Trinidad and Tobago.
Saharan dust is a warm, dry and dust-laden layer of air that originates over the Sahara desert of North Africa and extends from the earth’s surface upwards several kilometres.
According to the Met Office, it has been linked to increased emergency department visits for asthma, respiratory infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Speaking to Guardian Media yesterday, an official from the Met Service said the Saharan dust was very concentrated yesterday and that’s why in most areas across Trinidad, it was very dull and grey.
A very high concentration of Saharan dust was reported in areas such as Port-of-Spain, Belmont, Mt Hope, Tacarigua and San Fernando.
Sensitive groups, including older adults, children and people with respiratory ailments and allergies were also cautioned about the increasing likelihood of respiratory symptoms.
Several schools, both public and primary, also issued advisories to parents and guardians about the effects of Saharan dust. School officials in WhatsApp messages urged parents and guardians to keep their children at home/ indoors if they fell into the vulnerable categories. They also advised that if the children attended classes, caregivers were to ensure the relevant medication was sent in the event of a medical emergency.
When Guardian Media contacted several medical practitioners, we were told that many people complained about the dust. They said the patients were seen and treated especially those with sinus, asthma, allergies and those with or recovering from the flu.
In downtown Port-of-Spain, some people also said they were feeling the effects of the concentration of Saharan dust but stopped short of seeking medical care.
One person said, “It does affect me very bad because I have to get medication and it’s very difficult to breathe.”
Another said, “I suffer with sinus so that’s why I have to wear my masks all day with this Saharan dust. It really bad this week.”
Efforts to contact Health Minister Terrance Deyalsingh were futile yesterday.
However, some medical practitioners said the same health protocols being advertised by the Health Ministry including wearing a mask and washing hands should also be followed to protect against Saharan dust.
