EPA Issues Health Advisory: Wear Masks as Harmattan Dust Worsens Air Quality

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a public health advisory urging residents, particularly vulnerable groups, to wear nose masks due to the escalating levels of harmful dust in the air caused by the ongoing harmattan season. The agency’s warning highlights the serious health risks associated with the current air quality and recommends several preventative measures to mitigate the adverse effects. This announcement comes as air quality monitoring stations record increasingly unhealthy levels of pollution, particularly from fine particulate matter.

The EPA’s advisory specifically targets children, pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with pre-existing heart and lung conditions, as these groups are particularly susceptible to the negative impacts of the dusty air. The agency emphasizes that the main constituent of the dust is Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 – tiny, fine particles that can penetrate deep into the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. These particles can impair the normal function of organs, increasing the risk of respiratory illnesses, allergic reactions, and worsening of conditions like asthma. The PM 2.5 particles, which include dust, dirt, soot, and smoke, are a significant health hazard.

According to the EPA, air quality monitoring stations at the University of Ghana and Adabraka have shown a significant increase in dust levels since December 13, 2024. The Air Quality Index has ranged from unhealthy for sensitive groups to very unhealthy during this period. This observation aligns with forecasts from the Ghana Meteorological Agency, which has predicted significant dust in the air originating from the Sahel region, resulting in poor visibility. The current weather conditions are expected to persist until the latter part of December, further underscoring the need for public vigilance.

Furthermore, data from the Breathe Accra Project website, collected in early December 2024, has also confirmed the high levels of pollution at various monitoring locations across the country. Dr. Allison Felix Hughes, the Facility Manager of Afri-SET, a sensor evaluation center, also corroborated the EPA’s findings, highlighting the need for individuals to limit their time outdoors. He emphasized that wearing a face mask and reducing exposure time are crucial first-line defense mechanisms against the unhealthy air. Dr. Hughes also noted the potential increase in hospital admissions due to respiratory diseases, including asthma and bronchitis, during this period.

In addition to wearing masks, the EPA and Dr. Hughes advised the public to desist from open burning of waste and other materials, urging them to sprinkle water on dusty surfaces before sweeping to reduce dust emissions. Vehicle users are also advised to reduce speeding on untarred roads to minimize dust emissions. Regular servicing of vehicles and other fuel-burning installations, including generator sets, and avoiding idling engines, were also recommended. These measures aim to collectively reduce the levels of air pollution during the harmattan season. The advisory serves as a comprehensive call to action, encouraging proactive steps from the public to safeguard their health and well-being amidst the deteriorating air quality.