EPA advises public against harmattan

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has warned against the harmattan that has set in, advising around the potential health risks and how the public can protect themselves.

In a cautionary statement on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, the Agency observed that, based on its monitoring operations, there has been an increase in particulate or dust levels in the atmosphere.

The authority urged vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, pregnant women, people with athsma and related allergies, and persons with underlying allergies, to reduce their outdoor activities.

In addition, the EPA advised the public to adhere to the necessary precautions below:

1. Use pollution masks where necessary.
2. Desist from the open burning of waste and other materials.
3. Sprinkle water on dusty surfaces before sweeping to reduce dust emissions.
4. Vehicle users should reduce speeding on untarred roads to reduce dust emissions.

The EPA said that it will continue to monitor the situation and update the public accordingly.