KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is reporting that some of its air quality monitoring stations across the island have recorded an increase in particulate matter above normal levels due to the Saharan dust plume, which is currently affecting the island.

According to NEPA in a media release on Wednesday, as the levels of dust particles in the atmosphere increase, persons can expect impaired visibility and deteriorating air quality.

“The Saharan dust plume is a natural source of air pollution, which cannot be controlled. As such, NEPA is encouraging the public to heed the advice of the Ministry of Health & Wellness and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management to protect themselves and to minimise the impact to their health from exposure to the dust particles,” NEPA said.

The agency is also advising the public to continue to monitor the weather reports from the Meteorological Services of Jamaica as a peak in Saharan dust activity is anticipated as the summer period approaches.

Jamaicans are also strongly encouraged to refrain from open burning, as this will exacerbate the air quality conditions.