HPA urges caution in the wake of increasing air pollution

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has urged caution from the public, as Maldives is being affected by air pollution believed to have drifted from the North Indian Himalayan region.

As such, HPA has urged the public to monitor the air quality of the island nation through the Ministry of Environment and Technology’s linkhttps://www.iqair.com/maldivesor the IQAir Visual app.

The authority has also urged caution from the general public and pushed them to adhere to the proper and adequate safety measures by keeping a check on the air pollution levels.

As such, HPA noted that those with low immunity or are in critical condition are advised to avoid going outdoors, if the air quality is moderate, as it can lead to respiratory illnesses.

HPA went on to stress that if the air quality is an unhealthy level for sensitive groups, the general public and especially those with low immunity particularly, are at risk of experiencing irritation and respiratory problems.

Further, if the air quality is unhealthy, the general public may experience increased likelihoods of adverse effects and aggravation to the heart and lungs.

The general public will be noticeably affected if the air quality is very unhealthy, and HPA revealed that sensitive groups must restrict outdoor activities if the air quality is very unhealthy.

The worst level; hazardous, exposes the general public to high risks of experiencing strong irritations and adverse health effects.

HPA said that the general public is advised to avoid outdoor activities if the air quality level exceeds the hazardous level.

Those sensitive to air pollution include infants, young children, elderly persons, expecting mothers, those who suffer from allergies as well as those who have heart or lung conditions.

This comes at the time the Maldives Meteorological Service (MMS) has issued a warning alert in the wake of air pollution and a surge in haze in the air, across several regions of the Maldives.

The department revealed that the Maldives is mainly being affected by haze these days, due to the north-wave winds of the northeast monsoon.

Due to the poor air quality, there has been increasing smoke in the atmosphere and the haze has been creating visual issues for people as well, in turn increasing issues related to traveling.

MMS revealed that air pollution in the north of India affects the Maldives during the monsoon season almost every year.

Similarly, this year parts of the Maldives including central and northern atolls have been experiencing poor air quality.