Dust from the Sahara in Ukraine. How long will it last and is it a threat?

PHOTO: UK HYDROMET CENTER

It covers most regions of Ukraine dust from the African Sahara desertas a result of which there was a slight deterioration of visibility in places.

Ukrainians urged close windows indoors, as dust can be harmful to people with respiratory diseases, the elderly and children.

This, in particular, concerns the people of Kyiv, since they are in the capital recorded high level of air pollution.

About how long the pollination will last and how it can affect health, “Ukrainian Pravda. Life” asked the weather forecaster Natalky Didenko and cardiologists Natali Koshlan-Vasilyshyn.

Has dust contributed to warming?

According to the forecaster, the warming observed on the first day of April exceeds the climatic norm, as it is typical for the end of April.

Warming to Ukraine usually comes from southern latitudes. This time it was brought by air masses from the northern regions of Africa.

Particles of dust from the desert flew to Ukraine along with the wind.

“For our territory, pollination is not an abnormal phenomenon. You should not confuse pollination with a dust storm. The transfer of dust happens from time to time, however, from another continent – not often.

This indicates that the dust rose to a fairly high atmospheric height and was carried by the wind all the way to us,” – noted Natalka Didenko.

How long will pollination last and what will happen after?

On April 2, due to strong winds, pollination may spread to a large area of ​​Ukraine, says the forecaster.

However, in the western regions, rains and a decrease in temperature are expected in some places, which will “refresh” the air.

“From April 3 to 5, a slight cooling and rainy weather is expected, therefore, accordingly, in 2-3 days, we should expect an improvement in air quality”– says the specialist.

How does pollination affect the human body?

The well-being of Ukrainians can primarily be affected by a sudden change in the weather.

According to the doctor, this can cause a violation of the water balance in the body, drying of the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract and, as a result, an exacerbation of chronic diseases of the respiratory system.

In such conditions, it is first of all important to drink enough clean water.

“This applies to all people, but children and the elderly are the most vulnerable. In children, protective mechanisms may not be sufficiently developed, and in older people, the excretion of harmful particles from the upper respiratory tract will worsen due to degenerative changes in the ciliated layer of the epithelium“, says Nataliya Koshlan-Vasylyshyn.

Can I go outside?

According to the doctor, when the air is polluted, it is advisable to limit the ventilation of the room during the day. Wet cleaning is recommended in the apartment.

“You should not completely avoid going outside. In the evening and morning, when the air humidity is higher and the temperature is lower, you can walk the streets.

If an increase in wind speed or a significant increase in temperature is reported, it is advisable to avoid being outside.” – added the cardiologist.

We used to told about where dust comes from, how to get rid of it and how it affects our health.