An air mass from the deserts of North Africa, which carries suspended dust, is crossing mainland Portugal today, according to a statement from the Directorate-General for Health (DGS).

"A situation of poor air quality is expected to occur on the mainland, with an increase in the concentrations of inhalable particles of natural origin in the air, affecting, in particular, the regions of Alentejo and Algarve and the interior of the Central Region", he highlights.

This pollutant (inhalable particles – PM10) causes affects on human health, especially in the most sensitive populations, such as children and the elderly, whose health care the DGS recommends to be "redoubled" during the occurrence of these situations.

As long as this phenomenon continues, the DGS says that the general population should avoid prolonged exertion, limit outdoor physical activity and avoid exposure to risk factors, such as tobacco smoke and contact with irritants.

Children, the elderly, patients with chronic respiratory problems (such as asthma) and cardiovascular patients, due to their greater vulnerability to the effects of dust, in addition to complying with the recommendations for the general population, "should, whenever feasible, remain inside buildings and, preferably, with the windows closed".

As for the chronically ill, the DGS reminds them that they must maintain ongoing medical treatments.