According to forecasts, countries in the Lesser Antilles will be most affected by the Saharan dust, although Trinidad and Tobago, as well as Venezuela, will also experience its effects

Havana, Dec 24 (RHC) Several Caribbean countries will face a significant decline in air quality today due to the presence of a thick layer of Saharan dust, which may also impact the well-being of individuals with respiratory issues.

Forecasts indicate that the regions situated in the Lesser Antilles will be most affected by this phenomenon, although Trinidad and Tobago, along with neighboring Venezuela, will also experience its effects.

Barbados and other islands have issued warnings, advising that low visibility on public roads and a thick fog in the atmosphere will persist throughout the day and possibly until Thursday, making it difficult for both land, air, and sea travel.

Air quality is expected to be poor due to the presence of suspended particles, posing a potential health hazard for the vulnerable population.

Every year, columns of dust rise from the African continent and move westward, driven by the trade winds, and spread across the Atlantic Ocean, reaching the Caribbean Sea, the southeastern United States, Mexico, and Central America.

According to specialists, these columns are caused by the sand and dust storms in the Sahara Desert and the Sahel region, which can reach altitudes of three to seven kilometers and are typically laden with substances that are detrimental to human health.

This phenomenon can trigger allergic reactions, putting individuals with asthma and other chronic respiratory conditions at a higher risk. Moreover, it can cause skin and eye irritation, as well as an increased risk of waterborne illnesses.

However, the Saharan dust contains a variety of mineral components, including iron, calcium, phosphorus, silica, clay, and even bacteria, fungi, mites, and pollen. These elements contribute to the health and well-being of the environment. (Source: Prensa Latina)