The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says it is still monitoring air quality despite the absence of dusty weather conditions following rainfall in some parts of the country last week.
Previously, the agency stated that pollutant levels had exceeded national and World Health Organization target values, necessitating the use of pollution masks in public.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Climate Change and Green Economy Week in Accra, Dr. Henry Kwabena Kokofu, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, explained that the agency will monitor the weather and notify the public of any action taken.
The agency had earlier warned against outdoor activities to prevent health risks associated with the current dry season which contains highly polluted dust.
According to the EPA, the dust was being transported by low-level strong winds into the country hence the very dry and dusty weather being experienced over the northern, transition zones and part of the south.
A statement from the EPA disclosed that the pollutant levels (PM2.5) exceeded the national limit and the World Health Organisation (WHO) interim target 3 values of 35 and 25ptg/m3 respectively and encouraged the use of pollution masks (nose masks, goggles for eye protection) or use air purifiers.
“The air quality index recorded at the EPA’s Monitoring Site located at the University of Ghana between February 1-19, 2023 was largely moderate except for February 15-16 when it increased to unhealthy for sensitive groups and then unhealthy to very unhealthy between February 17-19. ”
“High particulate levels may cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat and vulnerable groups such as people with asthma, lung disease, older adults, children and pregnant women are considered at greater risk.
“The Environmental Protection Agency wish to entreat vulnerable groups to reduce outdoor activities where necessary, especially the elderly, children, pregnant women, people with asthma and related allergies and any other persons with underlying health conditions.”