Air quality in mainland Portugal will degrade significantly over the coming days due to the presence of air masses laden with dust from North Africa. This meteorological phenomenon will affect a large part of the territory, with greater intensity in the Central and Southern regions of the country.
The Directorate-General for Health has issued specific recommendations for the population, advising at-risk groups to remain home whenever possible during this period. These groups primarily include people with chronic respiratory diseases, the elderly, children, and individuals with heart conditions.
Suspended particles from the Sahara represent an increased health risk, potentially worsening conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, and other respiratory system pathologies. The high concentration of dust in the air makes breathing difficult and can cause irritation to the eyes and airways.
Health authorities are calling on the general population to adopt precautionary measures, such as avoiding prolonged physical exertion outdoors and maintaining adequate hydration, although the stricter recommendations are specifically aimed at the most vulnerable groups.
