By Prior Beharry
THE Environmental Management Authority (EMA) says the air quality levels are considered ‘Unhealthy’ on the Air Quality Index (AQI).
Residents are facing an increase in air pollution due to an influx of Saharan dust, a release by the EMA stated on Thursday.
Data collected at 9 am from monitoring stations in Mayaro, Pt Lisas, Port of Spain, and San Fernando, shows AQI values ranging between 152 to 156. These figures surpass the threshold for healthy air quality, elevating the need for caution among the general population, especially individuals with heightened sensitivity to air pollutants.
Those at greatest risk from the elevated dust levels include older adults, children, and people with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, respiratory issues, and allergies.
Sensitive groups are asked to limit outdoor activities that require prolonged or strenuous effort under the current conditions.
The EMA’s National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Network, equipped with six monitoring stations—five in Trinidad and one in Tobago—serves as a vigilant watchdog of the nation’s air quality. This robust network is essential in providing a real-time assessment of ambient air quality levels.
The AQI is a crucial tool employed by government agencies, indicating the immediate health of the air. With escalating AQI values, an increased percentage of the population may experience significant health repercussions. Public awareness of these levels is essential to safeguard the community’s health.
Citizens are encouraged to keep informed about the air quality situation by visiting the EMA’s official website and following its social media outlets for daily updates. Additionally, real-time air quality readings are accessible online through the provided link: https://ei.weblakes.com/RTTPublic/DshBrdAQI.
The EMA continues to closely monitor the situation and will provide updates as necessary.
The general population is advised to stay tuned to official channels for any further advisories, and to take precautions to minimize exposure to the dust-laden air.
