EMA Urges Precautions Amid Elevated Saharan Dust Levels

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The Environmental Management Authority (EMA) is advising that, while particulate matter data is temporarily unavailable on the EMA's website and social media platforms, due to ongoing maintenance and critical technical upgrades to the Authority's air quality monitoring equipment, other credible local monitoring systems are reporting elevated particulate levels consistent with significant Saharan dust activity across the region.

Below are views of the Northern Range today (Monday 23rd February, 2026), as a significant concentration of Saharan dust blankets the island:



Sensitive persons are advised to continue to take the necessary precautions.

In a Media Release today, the EMA said, “This influx of Saharan dust has caused visibly hazy conditions and a decline in air quality.” Members of the public, particularly older adults, young children, pregnant women, and persons with heart disease, asthma, other respiratory conditions, or allergies, should take the following immediate precautions:

  • Avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity.
  • Limit outdoor exposure where possible, keep windows closed, and use prescribed inhalers or medications as directed.
  • Individuals experiencing difficulty breathing, chest discomfort, or severe symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.

The EMA said it “recognizes the importance of real-time air quality data and is working urgently to restore full monitoring capability at all stations in the shortest possible time. Updates will be issued as soon as the stations are fully operational.”

The Media Release concluded by saying, “The public is strongly encouraged to remain vigilant and monitor official channels for further advisories and updates regarding air quality conditions in Trinidad and Tobago.”

High levels of Saharan Dust may cause:

  • Dry coughing.
  • Sore throat.
  • Itchy, watery eyes.
  • Sneezing.
  • Runny nose.

High levels of Saharan Dust may worsen illness in persons at high risk of respiratory complications, including: 

  • Persons with pre-existing lung conditions such as asthma.
  • Persons with pre-existing heart disease.
  • The elderly.
  • Children.

Those with pre-existing conditions should stay indoors, when possible, and should have their rescue inhaler with them at all times.

Consider wearing a face mask to protect yourself from dust particles; symptoms should disappear as the dust levels reduce.

Affected persons should seek medical attention if they experience severe shortness of breath (difficulty breathing), persistent fever (for more than 2 - 3 days) or a severe worsening of a pre-existing condition.

Please be guided accordingly.

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