KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is cautioning members of the public to guard against the effects of the Saharan dust, which tends to happen at this time of the year.

Every summer, strong winds blow massive clouds of dust off the Sahara Desert in Africa. This is called the Saharan Air Layer, Saharan Dust or SAL. The Saharan Air Layer is made of sand, dirt and other dust that is lifted into the atmosphere from the vast desert area that covers most of North Africa.

This dust is carried in the African waves, which push westward into the Atlantic Ocean. These dust clouds ride the wind across the Atlantic Ocean, sometimes traveling more than 5,000 miles all the way to the Caribbean, typically between May and October, and can affect weather conditions and air quality.

A wave of the Saharan dust is currently moving across the Caribbean and has already triggered alerts across some islands.

READ: Saharan dust layer moves across Caribbean

Members of the public and especially people who are already experiencing or those who are prone to respiratory illnesses, are being encouraged to exercise great care, by observing the following precautions:

— Stay indoors: When the dust plume is thick, try to limit your time outdoors;

— Wear a mask: If you must go outside, wear a dust mask, like an N95 or KN95, to protect your respiratory system;

— Use a high efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) filter to purify the air and reduce dust levels in your home;

— Manage respiratory conditions: If you have asthma or other respiratory conditions, keep your medications on hand and use them as prescribed. Persons with respiratory illnesses should be guided by the Ministry of Health and Wellness;

— Seek medical advice if you have trouble breathing;

— Stay calm: Stress can worsen allergy and asthma symptoms, so try to manage your anxiety;

— Monitor air quality: Follow local weather reports and air quality updates to stay informed;

— Wash your face: If you do go outside, wash your face and hands thoroughly to remove dust;

— Wear protective eyewear which can help prevent eye irritation;

— Follow your doctor’s advice if you have allergies or asthma; and

— Be mindful of vulnerable populations: Children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions are to take extra precautions.