DR1 Daily News - Dominican Republic

While Saharan dust is positive to the environment, it has a negative impact on human health, affecting the eyes and respiratory tract.

Epidemiologist Carlos Manuel Féliz Cuello and pneumologist Jhan González of Cedimat in Santo Domingo, and Evangelina Soler recommend the use of face masks and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated in the higher temperatures the phenomenon brings as the dust clouds cover the Caribbean, as reported in Hoy.

Dr. Féliz Cuello says coughing and sneezing are frequent these days, especially in children and older adults in vulnerable conditions. He said children with asthma and those with allergies and other respiratory issues will see their problems worsen. The tiny particles of Saharan dust decrease the quality of oxygen and cause irritation in the throat and eyes.

Hoy explains that according to the Pan American Health Organization...