In a recently issued Air Quality Bulletin, the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services said although the air quality is at moderate levels, the threat of health problems is elevated, for mainly unusually sensitive people, such as asthmatics. The worst conditions are expected, today Saturday.

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency, DMCA, is appealing to children, the elderly and those living with respiratory and heart disease to have their medications on hand, wear a mask when outside and reduce physical exertion outdoors.

The full statement below:

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

Air quality category: Moderate

Timing: Until Sunday

Synopsis: The air quality is at moderate levels as a result 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. The worst conditions are expected on Saturday.

Air quality index: 60 to 90 Alert Level: II

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

Health implications: Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

Caution: Active children and adults, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

Dale Destin