The Ministry of Health of the Government of the Canary Islands, through the General Directorate of Public Health, and given the forecast of the presence of haze on several islands in the coming days, recommends that the population take precautions such as avoiding prolonged exposure to outside air, keeping windows closed and not performing physical exertion outdoors.
Suspended dust contributes to drying the airways and, in many cases, can cause an aggravation 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 this pollutant can cause chest discomfort, cough, palpitations, fatigue or increased susceptibility to respiratory infections, at least during the five days after the onset of the episode.
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 1-1-2.
For its part, the Lanzarote Emergency Consortium has also issued a series of recommendations in the face of the heat, especially to risk groups.
• Protect yourself from the sun and heat.
• It is recommended to stay in places protected from the sun as long as possible and in the coolest rooms of the house. During the hours of sunshine, lower the blinds of the windows where it touches.
• Open the windows of the house at night to cool off.
• It is convenient to resort to some type of air conditioning (fans, air conditioning) to cool the environment. But remember that if the temperature of your house exceeds 35º, the fan will no longer be effective in lowering the temperature. If you do not have air conditioning, you should be at least two hours a day in air-conditioned places (shopping centers, cinemas, etc.)
• Keep in mind that, when entering or leaving these places, there are sudden changes in temperature that can affect.
• On the street, avoid direct sun. Wear a cap or hat, wear light clothing (such as cotton), light colors and that is not tight.
• Try to walk in the shade, on the beach be under an umbrella and rest in cool places on the street or in closed spaces that are air-conditioned.
• Carry water and drink often.
• Never leave children, the elderly or pets inside a closed vehicle.
• Avoid going out and doing prolonged physical exercises in the central hours of the day, which is when it is hotter. Reduce physical activity in the hottest hours.
• Take light and regular meals, drinks and foods rich in water and mineral salts, such as fruits and vegetables, which help you replenish the salts lost by sweat.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Avoid very hot meals that provide many calories.
• Help others. If you know older or sick people who live alone, go visit them once a day.
• If you are taking medication, consult your doctor if it may influence thermoregulation or if it should be adjusted or changed.
• For any request for information call 012.
