Vulnerable groups advised to take precautions as air pollution worsens in Ghana.
The Ghana Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a press release warning about the current state of air quality in Ghana. The country is currently experiencing the harmattan season, during which a lot of dust is raised in the dust source region (Sahara regions) and transported into the country by low level strong winds. This has led to very dry and dusty weather in the northern, transition zones and part of the south of the country.
While this is a natural phenomenon that occurs during the harmattan season, the levels of particulate matter recorded by the EPA between 17 and 19 February, 2023 were very high. In fact, the pollutant levels (PM2.5) exceeded both the national limit and the World Health Organisation (WHO) interim target 3 values of 35 and 25µg/m3 respectively.
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. High particulate levels may cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, and vulnerable groups such as people with asthma, lung disease, older adults, children, and pregnant women are considered at greater risk.
In light of these findings, the EPA is advising the vulnerable groups to reduce outdoor activities where necessary, especially the elderly, children, pregnant women, people with asthma, and related allergies, and any other persons with underlying health conditions. Additionally, the general public is advised to take all necessary precautionary measures such as the use of pollution masks (nose masks, goggles for eye protection) or air purifiers if available, reduce outdoor activities including physical exercise, and desist from open burning of waste and other materials.
The EPA assures the public that it will continue to collaborate with relevant institutions, including the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMA), Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), and Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), to monitor the situation and provide updates on its website and social media handles. The public is urged to remain vigilant and take all necessary measures to safeguard their health during this period of high particulate levels in the air.
