Health

EPA Warns of Harmattan-Induced Air Pollution as Air Quality Reaches Hazardous Levels

EPA Issues Health Advisory as Harmattan Dust Pushes Air Quality to Hazardous Levels

Story Highlights
  • EPA has issued a warning as Harmattan season causes air quality to dip into hazardous levels
  • This year, air quality has been particularly concerning
  • The EPA is urging the public to wear protective masks

The Ghana Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a warning as Harmattan season causes air quality to dip into hazardous levels, affecting public health across the country.

From mid-December through late February, the annual Harmattan season brings dust-laden winds that significantly worsen air quality. This year, air quality has been particularly concerning, with the EPA monitoring dangerously high pollution levels in major urban areas like Accra.

According to the EPA, air pollution levels in areas such as Adabraka and the University of Ghana have surpassed 200 on the Air Quality Index (AQI), which is classified as “very unhealthy.” The situation is equally alarming in busy markets like Makola and Agbogbloshie, where Breathe Accra’s sensors report hazardous PM2.5 (particulate matter) concentrations.

For context, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a 24-hour average PM2.5 level of no more than 15 micrograms per cubic meter. However, certain areas of Accra are recording levels up to 15 times higher, posing serious health risks.

The pollution in the air is not just dust, but fine particulate matter that can infiltrate the lungs, bloodstream, and even the brain, increasing the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular issues. In addition to the Harmattan dust, pollutants from vehicles and factories are further exacerbating the crisis.

Medical experts have raised concerns about the increased likelihood of respiratory-related health problems for people exposed to these dangerous conditions. The EPA is urging the public to wear protective masks, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, and take special care to protect vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.

As the Harmattan season continues, the EPA’s warning underscores the importance of staying informed and taking proactive steps to minimize exposure to the harmful effects of air pollution.

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