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09-02-2022, 12:05 PM
From Noticias Fuerteventura:
The worst air quality data in Spain is measured in Tefía
After a month of continuous haze (calima), the air quality is "extremely unfavourable, emergency conditions for public health"
The haze and the dry wind from the southeast have become the trend throughout this past month of January, and so far in February. Aside from the lack of visibility and the tons of dirt that needs to be cleared all over the island, the worst effect is the quality of the air that we have and how it affects our health. Haze episodes do not usually last more than a few days, what is exceptional about the case at hand is its prolongation over time. There is no memory of an episode of recurring haze that has kept us on edge for more than three weeks. In this sense, it is at the Tefia Weather station where the worst air quality in the entire Spanish state has been measured with 240 ug/m3. This is extremely unfavorable air, emergency conditions for public health.
Tefía has the worst data because one of the meters is located there, but in general the entire island of Fuerteventura has been giving these measurements during most of the days of January and, as we say, February. The haze moves microscopic particles of minerals, bacteria, fungi and pollen. Particles that measure less than 10 microns enter our body through the respiratory tract and reach the lungs and blood. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers that, in a concentration beyond 50 milligrams per cubic meter, dust in suspension is harmful to health.
About PM10
They can be defined as those solid or liquid particles of dust, ashes, soot, metallic items, cement or pollen dispersed in the atmosphere and whose diameter varies between 2.5 and 10 um (1 micrometer corresponds to one thousandth of a millimeter). They are mainly made up of inorganic compounds such as silitates and aluminates, heavy metals, among others, and materials associated with carbon particles. They are characterized by having a basic pH. Prolonged or repetitive exposure to PM10 can cause harmful effects on the respiratory system of people, however they are less harmful than PM2.5 since, being larger, they cannot cross the pulmonary alveoli, being retained in the mucosa that lines the upper airways. Directive 2008/50/EC indicates that, for health protection, 50 micrograms per cubic meter cannot be exceeded for 24 hours more than 35 times per Calendar year.
Protection measures
Especially children, the elderly and people with respiratory problems should be protected from this phenomenon. And, on a general level, it is advisable not to go outside and keep doors and windows closed. It is also advisable to keep the environment humid and hydrated and avoid physical exercise in the streets or parks. It can help to clean the surfaces where the dust is deposited with a damp cloth and, if we notice problems and difficulties breathing, it is best to see a doctor.
The worst air quality data in Spain is measured in Tefía
After a month of continuous haze (calima), the air quality is "extremely unfavourable, emergency conditions for public health"
The haze and the dry wind from the southeast have become the trend throughout this past month of January, and so far in February. Aside from the lack of visibility and the tons of dirt that needs to be cleared all over the island, the worst effect is the quality of the air that we have and how it affects our health. Haze episodes do not usually last more than a few days, what is exceptional about the case at hand is its prolongation over time. There is no memory of an episode of recurring haze that has kept us on edge for more than three weeks. In this sense, it is at the Tefia Weather station where the worst air quality in the entire Spanish state has been measured with 240 ug/m3. This is extremely unfavorable air, emergency conditions for public health.
Tefía has the worst data because one of the meters is located there, but in general the entire island of Fuerteventura has been giving these measurements during most of the days of January and, as we say, February. The haze moves microscopic particles of minerals, bacteria, fungi and pollen. Particles that measure less than 10 microns enter our body through the respiratory tract and reach the lungs and blood. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers that, in a concentration beyond 50 milligrams per cubic meter, dust in suspension is harmful to health.
About PM10
They can be defined as those solid or liquid particles of dust, ashes, soot, metallic items, cement or pollen dispersed in the atmosphere and whose diameter varies between 2.5 and 10 um (1 micrometer corresponds to one thousandth of a millimeter). They are mainly made up of inorganic compounds such as silitates and aluminates, heavy metals, among others, and materials associated with carbon particles. They are characterized by having a basic pH. Prolonged or repetitive exposure to PM10 can cause harmful effects on the respiratory system of people, however they are less harmful than PM2.5 since, being larger, they cannot cross the pulmonary alveoli, being retained in the mucosa that lines the upper airways. Directive 2008/50/EC indicates that, for health protection, 50 micrograms per cubic meter cannot be exceeded for 24 hours more than 35 times per Calendar year.
Protection measures
Especially children, the elderly and people with respiratory problems should be protected from this phenomenon. And, on a general level, it is advisable not to go outside and keep doors and windows closed. It is also advisable to keep the environment humid and hydrated and avoid physical exercise in the streets or parks. It can help to clean the surfaces where the dust is deposited with a damp cloth and, if we notice problems and difficulties breathing, it is best to see a doctor.
