Although the dust wave witnessed on the territory of the Republic of Moldova does not pose a significant risk to public health, the people with respiratory diseases can be vulnerable to the detected concentrations of PM10 particulate matter. These include people with asthma, chronic bronchitis, respiratory infections and respiratory allergies, as well as the elderly and young children, IPN reports.
During September 3-5, the predominantly north-eastern air circulation favors the advance from the central-southwestern part of Asia (Karakum desert area) of an air mass containing dust particles towards Eastern Europe and over the Republic of Moldova.
The Environment Agency noted that the strong wind favored the deposition of these particles on the exposed surfaces. As a result of this phenomenon, the concentrations of PM10 particulate matter increased insignificantly, exceeding the allowed limits at a number of air quality monitoring stations, but which at the moment do not pose a danger to the health of the population. Thus, at the automatic station in Chisinau municipality, the concentrations of PM10 exceeded 1.4 times the reference value, while at the automatic station in Mateuți, Rezina district - 1.7 times.
In addition to the transportation of dust particles from desert areas caused by strong winds, local weather conditions and human activities can also contribute to higher concentrations of pollutants in the air. When temperatures are high and humidity is low, emissions from burned fossil fuels, especially from vehicle traffic, can remain concentrated in the lower layers of the atmosphere, thus worsening air quality.
Public health specialists recommend that the people should avoid strenuous outdoor physical activities and long walks. “If you cannot postpone the walk outside and you suffer from a chronic respiratory disease or allergies, it is important to have the appropriate medications with you,” said the National Public Health Agency.
