Saharan Dust levels are soaring in the atmosphere currently, leading to the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and the Health Ministry advising the general public to take precautions against the poor air quality.

In a statement on June 9, the EMA said the air quality had registered at unhealthy levels at its monitoring stations in Port of Spain, Point Lisas and San Fernando at 8 am. It said the levels ranged between 164-177.

According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, particulate matter contains microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that they can be inhaled and cause serious health problems. Levels over 100-150 are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups and over 150-200 are unhealthy for everyone.