By Ishmael Dumbuya
The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) has alerted citizens across the country that the current change in weather/atmosphere across the country is not harmattan, but rather an extreme form of air pollution with dire consequences on human health.
In a notice put out by EPA, the sudden change in the atmospheric condition can be hazardous and might lead to reduced lung function, respiratory infection, inflammation and oxidative stress (low level of antioxidants which even creates an imbalance in your body).
The notice further stated that toxic pollutants pose serious health concerns, adding that people exposed to high enough levels of certain air pollutants may experience: Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat Wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and breathing difficulties, worsening of existing lung and heart problems, such as asthma, and Increased risk of heart attack.
EPA noted that air pollution is a problem for everyone, emphasizing that some groups of people are especially sensitive to common air pollutants such as particulates and ground-level ozone. People mostly at risk include children, older adults, people who are active outdoors, and people with heart or lung diseases, such as asthma.
EPA therefore admonishes everyone wear nose masks, stay hydrated, cover food and water very well to prevent dust from settling on them, wash fruits very well before eating and stay indoors as much as possible, adding that the condition may prevail for a considerable period of time.
The Environmental Protection Agency focuses primarily to maintaining an environment that promotes the safety of human health and ecosystems and to secure a conducive atmosphere for sustainable investment.
