The Ministry of Health of the Government of the Canary Islands, through the General Directorate of Public Health, reiterates its recommendations on how to act in the presence of suspended haze in the atmosphere. The recommendations to the population focus on taking precautions such as avoiding prolonged exposure to outdoor air, keeping windows closed and not performing physical exertion outdoors.
The suspended dust contributes to drying the respiratory tract, and in many cases can cause a worsening of conditions or symptoms related to respiratory diseases, such as asthma, people with chronic obstructive disease (COPD) that increase visits to emergency services and hospital admissions in some cases.
Exposure to haze can cause chest discomfort, cough, palpitations, fatigue or increased susceptibility to respiratory infections, at least for five days after the onset of the episode. People who need health care for the effects of haze should go to their health center doctor to receive the corresponding medical assessment.
Recommendations
Therefore, it is recommended that people sensitive to this type of episode - such as children, the elderly and people with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular diseases - take the following measures:
-Do not go outside and keep doors and windows of houses closed.
-Clean surfaces with dust with damp cloths.
-Stay in humid environments and hydrate.
-Do not perform physical exercises outside.
-In case of worsening respiratory symptoms call 112.