The Directorate-General for Health (DGS) warned that air quality in mainland Portugal should be affected today and Tuesday due to dust from North Africa. An air mass coming from the North African deserts is crossing Portuguese territory, causing a situation of poor air quality, with greater impact in the southern regions, namely Lisbon and Tagus Valley, Alentejo and Algarve.
The health authority indicated that the pollutant responsible consists of inhalable particles (PM10), which have effects on human health, mainly on the most sensitive population, such as children and elderly. DGS recommends that the population avoid prolonged outdoor exertion, limit outdoor physical activity and stay away from risk factors such as tobacco smoke and irritating products.
Regarding the most vulnerable groups, such as children and elderly with chronic respiratory problems, including asthma and cardiovascular diseases, DGS advises that they remain indoors whenever possible during the occurrence of this phenomenon. Chronic patients should also maintain their ongoing medical treatments.
If symptoms worsen, DGS recommends contacting the Saúde 24 Line through the number 808 24 24 24 or using a health service. Additional information can be obtained on the Portuguese Environment Agency website or the QualAr application.
