In an Air Quality Bulletin issued today, Wednesday, October 20, 2021, by the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, it states that the air quality is forecast to fall to moderate levels as a result of particulate matters 2.5 and 10, associated primarily with a surge in Saharan Dust.

It went on to say there is also high confidence that emissions from the volcano in La Palma, Canary Islands are also reaching the area.

The Meteorological Agency has cautioned that the threat of health problems will become elevated for mainly unusually sensitive people, such as asthmatics and could potentially cause them limited impacts.

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

Air quality category: Moderate

Timing: Wednesday night until Sunday

Air Quality index: 50 to 80 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