Saharan dust to impact air quality for ‘next few days’– DDM - persons with respiratory & heart diseases urged to take caution

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI - A fresh surge of Saharan dust over the Virgin Islands (VI) will bring the threat of elevated health problems mainly to sensitive people, such as asthmatics, according to information for the Department of Disaster Management (DDM).

In a May 18, 2022, update, the DDM warned that the condition is expected to be affecting the VI for the next few days going into the weekend.

According to the DDM, people with respiratory and heart diseases including the elderly and children are at risk the most.

The Department said that during dust events where concentrations are high, people are advised to limit dust entering their system as best as possible through the use of masks and protective eyewear and added that any mask that filters small particles should be used, such as Surgical masks, N95, P95 and P99.

“The conditions of the constant dusty flow can cause allergic reactions like itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, scratchy throat, dry cough, post-nasal drainage, and sneezing," the department said.