Saharan Dust Causes Persistent Poor Air Quality in Guadeloupe and Northern Islands

On April 24, 2024, Guadeloupe and the Northern Islands continued to experience substandard air quality due to the presence of Saharan dust in the region. The GAIA air quality monitor, which uses laser particle sensors to measure PM2.5 and PM10 pollution in real-time, reported high levels of these harmful air pollutants.

The Guadeloupe region has been placed on red alert, with concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM10) exceeding 80 micrograms per cubic meter on average over a 24-hour period. Authorities have advised against outdoor physical activity and recommended that vulnerable populations limit their movements. The air quality is expected to remain poor on Tuesday.

Episodes of Saharan dust are not uncommon in the Caribbean, but they appear to be growing in intensity over time. There has been a significant increase in the number of such events recorded in recent years.

The GAIA air quality monitor, which is easy to set up and provides instant access to air pollution data through online maps, has been instrumental in tracking these pollution levels. The station comes equipped with necessary equipment such as power cables, a power supply, mounting gear, and an optional solar panel.

Why this matters: The persistent poor air quality caused by Saharan dust poses significant health risks to the population of Guadeloupe and the Northern Islands. Monitoring and understanding these events is crucial for implementing effective measures to protect public health and mitigate the impacts of air pollution.

The South Air Korea Environment Corporation, which provides the air quality data displayed on the GAIA platform, sources its information from various data sources, including air quality, air pollution, and weather data. As the Saharan dust event continues to affect Guadeloupe and the Northern Islands, residents are urged to stay informed about air quality levels and follow the recommendations of local authorities to safeguard their health.

Key Takeaways

• Guadeloupe and Northern Islands face poor air quality due to Saharan dust.
• Levels of fine particulate matter (PM10) exceed safe limits, prompting red alert.
• Authorities advise against outdoor activity and limit movement for vulnerable groups.
• Saharan dust events appear to be increasing in intensity over time.
• Monitoring and understanding these events is crucial to protect public health.