The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a public notice warning of increased levels of airborne particulate matter (dust levels) across the country due to the onset of the harmattan season.
According to the EPA, monitoring stations at the University of Ghana and Adabraka have recorded unhealthy Air Quality Index (AQI) levels since December 13.
“We urge the public, especially vulnerable groups, to take necessary precautions to minimize their exposure to poor air quality,” the EPA stated.
The agency advised vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, pregnant women, people with asthma and related allergies, and those with underlying health conditions, to reduce outdoor activities where necessary.
To stay safe, the public is advised to take the following precautions:
- Use pollution masks where necessary
- Avoid open burning of waste and other materials
- Sprinkle water on dusty surfaces before sweeping
- Reduce speeding on untarred roads
- Regularly service vehicles and fuel-burning installations to optimize their functioning and avoid idling engines
The EPA also denied issuing a social media post alerting the public to an extreme air pollution event, and advised the public to disregard such posts.
