The Disaster Management Coordination Agency, DMCA is encouraging the main vulnerable groups of people: children, the elderly and those living with respiratory and heart disease to have their medications on hand, wear a mask and reduce physical exertion outdoors.

Air Quality Index Based on Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and 10 (PM10) Concentration

Air quality category: Unhealthy for sensitive groups

Timing: Later this morning until tonight, decreasing to moderate levels tomorrow

Synopsis: The air quality is at moderate levels and is forecast to fall to unhealthy for sensitive groups, as a result of a further increase of particulate matters 2.5 and 10, associated with a fresh surge in Saharan Dust. The threat of health problems is elevated, for mainly unusually sensitive people, such as asthmatics. This threat level is expected to rise further to medium.

Air quality index: 70 to 110 Alert Level: III

Sensitive groups: People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children are the groups most at risk.

Health implications: Increasing likelihood of respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals, aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly.

Caution: Everyone should exercise caution, especially sensitive groups such as active children and adults, and people with heart or respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit time outdoors and restrict outdoor activity. Also, keep windows and doors closed, as much as possible, and wear a face mask, rated to filter out PM 2.5, when going outside.

Dale Destin