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EPA issues ‘very unhealthy’ air quality warning as Saharan dust blankets coast
Kaieteur News – The Environmental Protection Agency Guyana (EPA) on Sunday issued a public health advisory warning that air quality across Guyana’s low coastal plain has reached “very unhealthy” levels, posing potential health risks to residents, especially children, the elderly, and persons with underlying medical conditions.
The agency, in its advisory, reported that air quality began deteriorating on the night of February 21, when conditions first entered the “unhealthy” range. As of Sunday, air quality in Georgetown remains in the “very unhealthy” category, with similar conditions recorded in the Whim, Corentyne, Berbice.
Monitoring stations in Eccles and Central Georgetown have detected PM2.5 levels significantly exceeding the air quality guidelines established by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the EPA reported.
PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, increasing the risk of respiratory distress, aggravated asthma, cardiovascular complications, and other serious health effects.
The EPA attributed the spike in particulate levels to Saharan dust transported across the Atlantic via the Saharan Air Layer — a mass of dry, dusty air originating in North Africa — combined with elevated humidity.
A visible haze has settled over coastal communities, and authorities warn that the conditions are expected to persist until the evening of Wednesday, February 25.
Residents are being strongly urged to limit outdoor activities, particularly those in vulnerable groups. The EPA is also advising the use of masks when outside for extended periods and encouraging individuals to seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, throat irritation, or chest discomfort.
The agency said it will continue to monitor air quality levels and issue updates as necessary, while encouraging citizens to check real-time air quality readings on its website.
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- conditions, Eccles and Central Georgetown, Guyana’s, Protection Agency Guyana, The EPA, World Health organisation
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