The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a warning that the air quality in Accra, Ghana’s capital city, has reached hazardous levels due to pollution.
The agency reports that the air has been contaminated by dust from the nearby Sahara region, which has made it unsafe for inhalation.
Breathing in the contaminated air can cause various health issues, including eye, nose, and throat irritation, according to the EPA.
Eye irritation can lead to blurred or double vision, headache, sore neck, shoulders, or back, increased sensitivity to light, called photophobia, and difficulty concentrating, as reported by the Mayo Clinic.
Individuals with an irritated nose may experience continuous sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, as well as itchy, red, and watery eyes, per the UK’s National Health Service.
Throat irritation can make it difficult to swallow, cause swelling of glands in the neck or jaw, and produce a hoarse or muffled voice, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Those at greatest risk are people with asthma, lung disease, older adults, children, and pregnant women, according to the EPA.
To protect themselves, the agency advises people to use nose masks, goggles for eye protection, or air purifiers. Additionally, it is recommended to reduce outdoor activities, including physical exercise, and avoid open burning of waste and other materials.
The EPA’s warning emphasizes the importance of taking action to protect public health and preserve lives. It is crucial that individuals take these precautions seriously to avoid potentially serious health consequences.
Source: The Independent Ghana