Weather / Storms and African dust – Precautions from EODY

The weather is changing in the next few hours with rain and storms they “hit” the countrywhile the temperature will drop sharply at the same time the presence of African dust will be strong, with EODY giving citizens protection instructions.

According to ddirector of the EMY, Thodoris Kolydasthe phenomena during the night towards Friday will intensify in Macedonia, Thessaly, Evia and northeastern Sterea.

Thodoris Kolidas writes in platform of x “change of weather in the country with rains and storms mainly in the Ionian and continental regions. The phenomena at night will intensify in the west and central Macedonia, Thessaly, northern Evia and the northern part of eastern Sterea (Fthiotida)”.

And he continues by noting that “the Friday Rain and storms in most areas of the country. The effects in the morning hours will be temporarily strong in western and central Macedonia, Thessaly, northern Evia, the northern part of eastern Sterea (Fthiotida). and Crete”, while accompanying his post with the relevant map.

The EODY guidelines for African dust

The EODY has issued special instructions for students in schools, in case the dust remains until Monday, when the students also return from the Easter holidays.

In particular, for the protection of students in schools, EODY recommends:

• Avoid and limit outdoor activities
• Move the exercise class from outdoors to a suitable indoor sports hall. If this is not possible, the PE lesson can take place in the children’s regular classroom or in safe indoor school spaces.
• Postpone any educational visits (eg to theatres, museums) or school trips.
• Advise students to avoid physically strenuous activities such as football matches or other competitive sports during breaks, and encourage alternative activities.
• Ensure good air quality in classrooms
• Minimize the infiltration of outside air into indoor spaces by keeping classroom windows and doors closed as much as possible throughout the school term.
• Make sure that all contact and work surfaces (e.g. tables, benches) are cleaned with a damp cloth before the start of classes.
• Instruct the cleaning staff to mop the classrooms at the end of the day and wipe down all contact and work surfaces (eg tables, desks) with a damp cloth.

Who may be at risk from African dust?

According to EODY, African dust can affect anyone but the risk is greater for vulnerable groups of the population, such as:

Children and babies

• People >65 years old
• People with chronic respiratory diseases, mainly bronchial asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• People with chronic cardiovascular diseases

Possible symptoms from exposure to African dust

Exposure to African dust has been associated with:

• Eye irritation (itching, watery eyes, tearing)
• Irritation of the upper respiratory system, such as the nose and oral cavity (runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, hoarseness)
• Lower respiratory tract irritation (difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent cough with or without sputum, chest pain)
• Worsening of allergic reactions (redness of the skin, itching)

Also, African dust has been linked to increased visits to hospital Emergency Departments for:

• Exacerbation of Bronchial Asthma
• Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Acute Cardiovascular diseases

Instructions for adults

Asthma and other respiratory diseases

• If you suffer from bronchial asthma, African dust can make your symptoms worse. You may need to increase the dosage or frequency of inhaled medications on days when the dust concentration is high. Follow your individualized asthma treatment plan carefully as directed by your doctor.
• If you are using any medication for a respiratory illness, which includes a breathing apparatus, make sure you have it with you at all times. Use it according to your doctor’s instructions.

For mild clinical symptoms, mainly due to allergic rhinitis, common preparations to relieve allergic reactions, such as antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays, can relieve your symptoms. Consult your doctor.

Cardiovascular diseases

If you suffer from cardiovascular disease, inhaling African dust can cause:

• Chest pain or tightness
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Feeling of shortness of breath, suffocation or suffocation
• More tired/paying than usual

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately to get the necessary care and advice. Be sure to tell your doctor if symptoms worsen or last longer than usual.

What you can do to protect yourself from African dust

Stay informed. Monitor air quality reports and weather forecasts to know when African dust levels are expected to be high.

When dust levels are high, take action:

• Limit outdoor activities
• Keep outdoor activities or unnecessary movement to a minimum.
• Stay indoors, such as home or office. If it is necessary to go out, minimize the time spent traveling and staying outdoors.
• Prefer the car for your commute. It is recommended to keep the windows closed and have the ventilation system activated in internal recirculation mode.
• Avoid vigorous physical work or sports activity, such as cycling, running or walking in open spaces, sports training or even competitions in open spaces (swimming pools, stadiums, stadiums). Move such activities to suitable indoor sports halls or postpone them to other days if possible.
• Use masks with high respiratory protection. When going outside, especially in conditions of high dust concentrations, it is recommended to wear a high respiratory protection mask (FFP2/ KN95/N95) to reduce the inhalation of particles.
• Take steps to improve indoor air quality
• Maintain good air quality at home, office, etc.
• Minimize outside air infiltration by keeping windows and doors closed as much as possible.
• Improve interior insulation (door and window cracks) to prevent dust from entering the interior.
• Activate the air purifier in good time – if present – ​​and make sure it has the right filters and is working properly.
• Wipe contact surfaces such as tables and counters with a damp cloth and mop the floor.
• Avoid activities that worsen indoor air quality, such as smoking, using a vacuum cleaner, cooking with gas, lighting candles and fireplaces.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water.