The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a warning against engaging in outdoor activities to avoid health hazards linked with the current dry season, which is characterized by extremely contaminated dust.
According to the EPA, the dust is being brought into the nation by low-level strong winds, resulting in very dry and dusty weather in the northern, transition zones, and parts of the south.
According to an EPA statement, pollutant levels (PM2.5) surpassed the national limit and World Health Organization (WHO) interim goal 3 values of 35 and 25ptg/m3, respectively, and urged the use of pollution masks (nasal masks, goggles for eye protection) or air purifiers.
"The air quality index measured at the EPA's Monitoring Site at the University of Ghana between February 1 and 19, 2023 was mostly moderate, with the exception of February 15-16, when it climbed to unhealthy for sensitive groups, and then unhealthy to extremely unhealthy between February 17 and 19.
"The air quality index recorded at the EPA's Monitoring Site located at the University of Ghana between February 1-19, 2023 was largely moderate, except for February 15-16, when it increased to unhealthy for sensitive groups and then unhealthy to very unhealthy between February 17-19." The Environmental Protection Agency would like to encourage vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, pregnant women, those with asthma and associated allergies, and anybody else with underlying health concerns, to limit their outside activities as much as possible.
"In addition, the general public is advised to take all necessary precautionary measures, such as:
• wearing pollution masks (nose masks, goggles for eye protection) or using air purifiers if available;
• limiting outdoor activities, including physical exercise; and
• refraining from open burning of waste and other materials."
"The general public is hereby advised that the Agency will continue to engage with relevant institutions, including GHS, GMA, DVLA, and GSA, and will monitor the situation for updates on our website and social media handles."
