The episode of Calima that this Wednesday has been extended throughout the Iberian Peninsula, is leaving impressive images. Most of the country has woken up, for the second day in a row, covered in dust.
The surface concentration is greater than 200 micrograms/m3, which translates into a “extremely unfavorable” air quality.
This is the case of Madrid, according to the latest data from the Air Quality Index in Spain (ICA). While in other areas of the outskirts of the Community of Madrid, Segovia, Ávila, Albacete or Badajozis “very unfavourable”.
This situation, a consequence of dust in suspension from the Sahara desert driven by the winds generated by storm Celia, could be extended during the next few hours. At least until tomorrow, Thursday, according to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET).
And you have to be careful. Because besides being an amazing phenomenoncan have direct repercussions on our health.
The explanation is that the haze it transports fungi and metals, pollutants expelled by the industry of Morocco, Algeria and North Africaas well as those that he finds on his way through Spain.
This Wednesday the 16th we will continue with high concentrations of #SaharanDust in the Peninsula and Balearic Islands.
? Will reduce visibility (#calima) and will dirty surfaces.?️
? Most importantly: Air quality will be unfavorable to extremely unfavorable in many areas. ? pic.twitter.com/aW4IrQoRw6— AEMET (@AEMET_Esp) March 16, 2022
Therefore, experts recommend the most vulnerable peoplethat is, people with respiratory diseases such as asthma or COPD, allergic to pollen and fungi, and also those who are experiencing a respiratory infection, who exercise extreme caution.
How to protect yourself from the heat?
The Doctor Angel Moral, president of the Aerobiology Committee of the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (SEAIC) It insists, above all, on hydration.
“These particles, the PM10, which are the ones that are in suspension and the cause of this orange color, irritate the mucosa and you have to try to keep them moist. It’s a good idea to hydrate quite often,” he explains to Seeking Answers.
The worst consequences will be suffered by those who already suffer from previous pathologies, so it is convenient to avoid leaving homeas far as possible, so as not to be exposed to haze.
“You have to keep in mind that these particles irritate the respiratory tract, especially in those people with respiratory problems, such as asthma or bronchitis. This will favor a worsening of their symptoms and assistance to the emergency services or even hospital admissions.”
Close doors and windows well, avoid ventilating the house on days when the heat lasts, cover your skin and try to wear a mask on the street.
But, Which is the most recommended, according to the expert? FFP2 masks.
“They are the ones that have a more limited particle passage compared to the hygienic ones. And in addition to preventing the penetration of bacteria and viruses, it also closes the passage to the harmful particles produced by this meteorological phenomenon, and to pollens,” Moral points out.
Recommendations for healthy people
Although these recommendations are for those who suffer from respiratory diseasesthe doctor insists that the population in general must also carry out a series of measures.
“Because we are all breathing the suspended particlesalthough those who have asthma or chronic bronchitis, as their bronchi are more sensitive, are the ones that will be affected the most”.
In healthy people, exposure to this contaminant usually produces irritative effects, tearing, cough, chest discomfort, tiredness or palpitations.
The Ministry of Health of the Canary Islands specifies that these symptoms may occur “for at least five days after the start of the episode.”
In the Canary Islands these calima events are frequent given its proximity to the African coast, just over 200 kilometers.
Among the tips that we should all take into account during these days, the following stand out:
- Do not make physical efforts outside. If it is necessary to do outdoor sportreduce the intensity of training.
- Stay in humid environments constantly hydrateas the president of the SEAIC has emphasized.
- Clean dusty surfaces with a damp cloth.
- In the case of presenting shortness of breath or worsening of symptoms, especially if it is chronic patients, go to the doctor.