A mix of record heat and Saharan dust will affect various areas of Italy between today and Friday, with effects on air quality and the health of citizens. This was stated by the Italian Society of Environmental Medicine (Sima) which calls for maximum attention on the health front. «In several cities in Italy the sky has already taken on a milky color to the point of becoming reddish-yellow in some areas, and this is a consequence of the The arrival of Sahara dust in the atmosphere – explains President Alessandro Miani -. Dust that will add to the PM2.5 and PM10 already present in the air, worsening its quality even in the absence of precipitation. The subjects most at risk are children, the elderly, heart patients and those suffering from respiratory diseases, starting from asthma: in fact, dust can also have heavy metals inside it and join the polluting substances already present in the air, and end up being inhaled by humans. For this reason, it is advisable to avoid exposure to desert dust as much as possible, especially for individuals who already suffer from illnesses or respiratory disorders. Children are particularly at risk, both because their respiratory and immune systems are still developing and because they tend to spend more time outdoors than adults. A 2015 study highlighted, for example, that children exposed to Saharan dust have a 20% greater risk of developing respiratory infections compared to those not exposed.”
Added to the dust phenomenon is the record heat that will hit various areas of the peninsula between today and Friday, with temperatures up to 12 degrees higher than average which can cause mild ailments such as cramps, fainting, edema, but also serious problems, from congestion to dehydration, worsening the health conditions of people with pre-existing chronic pathologies – explains Sima. «The waves of heat and Saharan dust are certainly not new phenomena in Italy, but the strong increase in their frequency and intensity is worrying, an effect direct global warming and climate change which must be monitored carefully, because it has a direct impact on the environment and public health”, concludes Miani. The Italian Society of Environmental Medicine also publishes a guide with practical advice for protecting yourself from the heat: avoid exposing yourself to heat and direct sun and only leave the house during the coolest hours; ensure adequate air exchange in the home and facilitate natural ventilation; keep rooms cool by screening windows exposed to the sun (using shutters, shutters, curtains, etc.); close the windows during the day and open them during the cooler hours of the day (in the evening and at night); take frequent baths and showers with warm water; drink at least 1.5/3 liters of water during the day.
