Dusty weather is often observed in Baku recently. People even report that they feel this dusty air when they breathe it. This change is confirmed by the National Hydrometeorological Service. Due to the prevailing meteorological conditions in the territory of the country, air flows in the north-east direction are predominant, so cross-border dusting is observed in the air. The amount of dust is 1, 2 times more than the norm on some days, 2.8-3.2 times, or even 3-3.5 times on some days.
What are the harms of this dust layer for people and how can people protect themselves?
People avoid wearing masks
According to Professor Adil Geybullan, since we do not know for sure whether the dust is harmful or harmless, we should not miss the precaution: “Dusty air comes to Baku and Absheron peninsula from different places through the wind. This process is usually observed in the direction of Central Asia and the north. Here, the origin and nature of the dust, how harmful it is to the body, whether there is a radioactive background or not are very important. It is very good that people use mask in such weather. I have observed that people do not want to use the mask. Basically, patients with respiratory problems, asthma, various chronic lung diseases, and allergies should be especially careful in such weather.”
It is temporary
A. Gaybulla stated that such weather conditions usually last for several days: “The symptoms of the carriers of the diseases I have mentioned have become more active and can manifest themselves in more severe and acute forms. Dusty weather usually does not last long. Because Baku is a city of winds, and the wind disperses dust particles and takes them in other directions. My advice to people is to use a mask for a few days when this type of situation occurs.”
Children and the elderly are more vulnerable
Infectious disease specialist Mardan Aliyev says that there are other toxic particles in the dust cloud that are harmful to our body: “Dust particles enter the respiratory tract of people and cause irritation and allergic effects. When we talk about dusty weather conditions, we are not talking about dust particles alone. There are other toxic substances that can also enter the lungs. For this reason, we should try to protect ourselves from those particles. In particular, the body of children and the elderly is more sensitive. Therefore, when we observe a dust cloud, we should not take children outdoors. It is considered more appropriate to be protected at home.”
Dust allergy or disease
M. Aliyev noted that people sometimes think they have the flu in such weather: “These dust particles can cause allergic rhinitis. Which is accompanied by a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes. These symptoms are sometimes confused because they are similar to the flu. It is even possible to cause a serious disease such as pneumonia. For this reason, we must be careful.”
Use only a mask with a filter
According to the infectious disease expert, ordinary masks do not completely prevent dust particles: “The most effective way to protect yourself from dusty weather is not to go out of the house. But if we have to go out, we must definitely use a mask. This is especially true for people with acute illness. But an ordinary mask does not protect us enough from dust particles. I recommend that they use N-95 type masks. Because harmful dust particles are very small. “N-95 masks are more effective because they have a filter and protect us from harmful dust.”
The number of applicants to medical institutions has increased
Therapist Subhan Hajiyev said that due to the increase in the amount of dust in the air, the number of people applying to medical institutions has increased: “All living things need water and air to live. Therefore, any type of air pollution, changes in the weather conditions in the area where we live affect all living things. In recent days, we see that the air in Baku is dirty. As a result, the number of applications to hospitals, especially emergency departments, for respiratory diseases has increased significantly.
In case of contact with the mucous membrane of the eye and oral cavity…
According to S. Hajiyev, harmful dust particles destroy our respiratory system: “Dust particles larger than 10 microns can often be removed by the body’s natural protection mechanisms. However, smaller dust particles pass through the upper respiratory tract and descend into the lower respiratory tract. At this time, they can go to the depths of our respiratory system. In this case, we face very serious medical complications. Medical complications are manifested by respiratory tract infections, acute headaches multiplying. If the dust particles come into contact with the human mucous membrane, they cause serious irritation. Especially when it comes into contact with the mucous membrane of the eyes and oral cavity, this condition can manifest itself in an even more acute form.”
It is recommended to stay at home
The therapist noted that even opening the window in dusty weather is dangerous: “People over 65 years old, people with chronic diseases, especially people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, should never go outside in such weather. It is recommended to stay at home. It would be better if they don’t open the windows and use air conditioners. If you have to go out, you must wear a mask and glasses.” (“Kaspi” newspaper)
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