The suspended dust that has been affecting Lanzarote since this past Monday is harming the air quality on the island and can generate negative effects on the entire population, whether or not they belong to risk groups.
According to the air quality index (AQI), which is based on data from the Canary Islands Air Quality Control and Surveillance Network, particles smaller than ten microns are leaving unfavorable readings in the vast majority of sensors installed on the island.
According to warns the Government of the Canary Islands, the island is in the range between 51 and one hundred particles of less than ten micrograms per cubic meter, in a proportion that makes the air quality unfavorable.
With these parameters, the general population can experience negative effects on their health, which can also be much more severe in risk groups.
The regional Executive recommends for risk groups that on these occasions reduce outdoor activities, carry them out indoors or postpone them until air quality improves, as well as meticulously follow medical treatments. Meanwhile, it indicates that the general population should reduce prolonged and strenuous outdoor activities, especially if symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or throat irritation appear.
Lanzarote is under yellow alert due to the presence of suspended dust throughout this Tuesday and also until midday this Wednesday, according to the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet). This situation has forced the Government of the Canary Islands to establish a pre-alert for haze in the archipelago.