Martinique and Guadeloupe were placed on Monday in red alert for air quality, due to a concentration of fine particles linked in particular to a passage of sand mists over the Antilles, said the two prefectures.
In Guadeloupe, "the concentration of fine PM10 particles [category of particles whose diameter is less than 10 micrometers] in the air has exceeded 80 μg / m3 on average over 24 hours, a value corresponding to the regulatory alert threshold", explains Prefecture.
RougeRed air quality alert for #Guadeloupe, this Monday, February 3🔴
The concentration of fine PM10 particles in the air exceeded 80μg / m3 on average over 24 hours.
‼ ️ Sensitive and vulnerable people attention‼ ️
ℹ️Health instructions of the prefect: https://t.co/1Dsfr6UJuc pic.twitter.com/gW8tKziTXC
The pollution is linked to the passage of sand mists on the Guadeloupe archipelago, but also to human activity (combustion of fossil energy, means of transport, industrial activities, etc.), specifies the Gwadair monitoring network. The alert procedure has also been initiated in Martinique, said the prefecture.
Tingling, difficulty in breathing and risk of prematurity
This sand comes from African deserts and more particularly from the Sahara desert. This phenomenon is visible especially in May and June and tends to get stronger from year to year, with an increasing recurrence, according to specialists.
This phenomenon, well known in the West Indies, results in some people by tingling in the eyes, or respiratory discomfort. During red alert periods, physical activities are prohibited in schools and childcare facilities, and the population is invited to limit their car trips, intense physical activities and the use of barbecues (or boucans). ).
Being exposed to sand mists increases the risk of prematurity, according to a 2019 study by researchers from Inserm (Institute for Research on Health, the Environment and Work). In Guadeloupe, the rate of prematurity (birth before the 37th week of pregnancy) is 15.6%, more than double that of mainland France (6%).
Planet
Ultrafine particle pollution: "We must ban vehicles to save the planet"
Health
Will the alert for ultra fine particles change your lifestyle?
- Fine particles
- Air pollution
- West Indies
- Guadeloupe
- Air quality
- Martinique
- Planet