Dakar has been identified as the city with the worst air quality globally due to a Sahara dust storm, scoring 392 on IQAir’s index. This event has led to visibility issues, disruptions in fishing activities, and health advisories urging residents to stay indoors. The annual Harmattan winds contribute significantly to respiratory problems, particularly among children, necessitating urgent action for improved air quality and public health measures.
Dakar, Senegal’s capital, has recently been recognized for having the most severe air quality globally, as reported by IQAir, due to a significant dust storm from the Sahara Desert. The city’s air quality index reached an alarming score of 392, far exceeding the hazardous threshold of 300. The World Health Organization advises that air quality levels should remain below 45 micrograms per cubic meter; however, Dakar’s measurements surpassed 1,000 micrograms, indicating a dire situation.
The dust storm severely impacted visibility in Dakar, reducing it to less than 500 meters. Daily life was disrupted, especially for fishermen, who opted to remain ashore due to safety concerns. Additionally, health authorities recommended that residents, especially vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, stay indoors and use masks to mitigate health risks associated with the poor air quality.
The Harmattan winds, which carry dust from the Sahara across West Africa between November and March, have a detrimental impact on respiratory health, worsening conditions like asthma and bronchitis. In Dakar, where approximately 10% of the population already suffers from lung ailments, there has been an alarming increase in respiratory cases among children, underscoring the urgent need for improved air quality measures.
The recent severe air quality in Dakar highlights the significant health and economic ramifications of dust storms exacerbated by the Harmattan winds. The disruption to daily activities, particularly in fishing and outdoor pursuits, poses risks not only to health but also to livelihoods in this coastal city. Immediate action and long-term strategies for air quality monitoring and public health interventions are essential to alleviate the adverse effects of these environmental conditions on Dakar’s populace.
Original Source: dabafinance.com
