Most islands across the Eastern Caribbean are experiencing good air quality levels, based on U.S. standards as of 1:00 PM Thursday 2nd January 2020. Saharan Dust, since December 22nd, has been moving across the Southern Windwards, bringing hazy skies and reduced air quality. Air quality is forecast to continue to be reduced between levels at are moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups through the next 24-48 hours, returning to good levels by the weekend. Sensitive groups and those with respiratory ailments are advised to take the necessary precautions.
Presently, elevated concentrations of Saharan Dust are present across Trinidad and Tobago, with air quality at moderate levels to levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups. Across the remainder of the Eastern Caribbean, air quality is at good levels.
Note that the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) air quality monitoring stations are presently recording AQI values at varying levels, from good to unhealthy for sensitive groups, based on T&T’s air quality standards, while other air quality monitoring stations are reporting air quality at good levels, based on United States standards.
Visibility across Trinidad and Tobago are at 10 kilometers and above.
What we expect
Based on the latest dust modeling, dust concentrations are forecast to decrease across Trinidad and Tobago and the remainder of the Southern Windwards by the weekend, improving air quality to good levels. However, another surge of dust is forecast to arrive across Trinidad and Tobago next week.
Generally, through the next 5 days, air quality is forecast to vary from good to levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups across Trinidad and Tobago.
What does this mean for you?
For the general population through Sunday, little to no impacts are forecast. For sensitive groups, such as children, the elderly and persons who suffer from respiratory ailments and allergies, you may need to avoid prolonged exertion outdoors. See below for more detail as there is more Saharan Dust forecast.
Good Air Quality
AQI – 0 to 50
What does this mean for you?
At this level, air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk to public health. It’s a great day to be active outside.
Who needs to be concerned?
No one.
What should you do?
Sensitive Groups: Sensitive groups, children and the elderly do not need special protection.
Air purification: It is recommended to run an air purifier in auto-mode, so it automatically reacts to changes in air quality.
Ventilation: It is good for ventilation.
Masks: No masks are needed.
Outdoor Activity: Very suitable for outdoor exercise and activities.
Moderate Air Quality
AQI – 51 to 100
What does this mean for you?
Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants, there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Who needs to be concerned?
Unusually sensitive people: Consider reducing prolonged or heavy exertion. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath. These are signs to take it easier.
Everyone else: It’s a good day to be active outside.
What should you do?
Sensitive Groups: Sensitive groups such as those with respiratory ailments, children and the elderly are advised to reduce outdoor physical exertion, and reduce the time of their stay outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic.
Air purification: At this level, the air is slightly polluted. It is recommended to turn on your air purifier, running at a low level, at a minimum.
Ventilation: Please close windows, as the air is slightly polluted.
Masks: Wearing a mask during outdoor activity is recommended, particularly in areas with heavy traffic.
Outdoor Activity: It is recommended to stay indoors and avoid outdoor exercise.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups
AQI – 101 to 150
What does this mean for you?
Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected. There is an increasing likelihood of respiratory symptoms in sensitive individuals, aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease & the elderly.
Who needs to be concerned?
Sensitive groups include people with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teenagers.
What should you do?
Sensitive groups: Reduce prolonged or heavy exertion. It’s OK to be active outside, but take more breaks and do less intense activities. Watch for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.
People with asthma should follow their asthma action plans and keep quick-relief medicine handy.
If you have heart disease: Symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue may indicate a serious problem. If you have any of these, contact your health care provider.
Air purification: At this level, the air is polluted. Turn on your air purifier, running at a high level.
Ventilation: Please close doors windows, as the air is polluted.
Masks: Wearing a mask during outdoor activity is recommended, particularly in areas with heavy traffic.
Outdoor Activity: It is recommended to stay indoors and avoid outdoor exercise.
The surges of dust during this time of year are due to the Harmattan, a season in the West African subcontinent that occurs between the end of November and the middle of March. During this season, a predominant northeasterly trade wind (dubbed the Harmattan Winds) blows from the Sahara Desert over Western Africa into the Gulf of Guinea.
During this period, a ridge of high pressure stays over the central Sahara Desert, and the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) remains over the Gulf of Guinea. The Harmattan wind accelerates when it blows across the mountain massifs of Northwest Africa. If its speed is high enough and it blows over dust source regions, it lifts the dust and disperses it. Dust that makes it into the upper levels of the atmosphere can then get transported across the Atlantic Ocean and affect the Eastern Caribbean. These Saharan Dust outbreaks tend to be milder in the Eastern Caribbean than the dust outbreaks associated with West African thunderstorms driving dust into the upper atmosphere from April through November.
Sensitive groups such as persons with respiratory ailments, children, the elderly and cardiopulmonary disease should take the necessary precautions on days where dust concentrations degrade air quality to moderate and beyond, as there is more Saharan Dust forecast.
