DGS advises vulnerable people to stay at home due to dust in the air

The Directorate of Health recommended this Monday that children, the elderly, people with chronic respiratory diseases and those with cardiovascular disease stay at home whenever possible due to the concentration of dust in the air from North Africa.

According to the Directorate General of Health (DGS), an air mass from the deserts of North Africa carrying suspended dust is expected to cross the Portuguese mainland this Monday and Tuesday.

“A situation of poor air quality is expected on the continent with an increase in the concentration of respirable particles of natural origin in the air, affecting in particular the regions of Alentejo, Algarve and the hinterland of the Central Region,” the statement said. DGS in a statement published on its “website”.

According to the DGS, this pollutant (inhalable particles – PM10) has an impact on human health, mainly on the most sensitive segments of the population, children and the elderly, whose health care should be doubled during such situations.

While this phenomenon continues, the General Directorate of Health is issuing a series of recommendations for the general population and for those who are more vulnerable.

The general population should avoid prolonged physical activity, limit outdoor physical activity and exposure to risk factors such as tobacco smoke and contact with irritating products.

Children, the elderly, patients with chronic respiratory diseases, namely asthma, and patients with cardiovascular diseases, in addition to following the recommendations for the general population, should, if possible, stay inside buildings and preferably with closed windows, due to “its large vulnerability to the consequences of this phenomenon”.

The health authority recommends that chronically ill patients continue treatment and, if symptoms worsen, contact Linha Saúde 24 (808 24 24 24) or contact the health service.