The Guam Environmental Protection Agency (Guam EPA) in conjunction with Guam Homeland Security and Office of Civil Defense today issued a haze advisory for Guam.
The advisory will be in place for 48 hours. Residents with heart or respiratory ailments are advised to stay indoors and reduce physical exertion and outdoor activity while the advisory is in effect. Anyone suffering from respiratory illness should seek appropriate medical advice if they are affected by the reduced quality of outdoor air.
Healthy people may also experience breathing problems and eye or nose irritations. Health risks for those who exercise or are active outdoors may increase due to the presence of the haze.
The effects the haze may have on an individual depends on the size and composition of the particles, the level and duration of exposure, and the age and sensitivity of the exposed person. Symptoms of exposure may include a sore throat, persistent cough, burning eyes, wheezing, shortness of breath, sore throat, flu-like symptoms, general lack of energy, tightness of chest, and chest pain. Particulate matter may also trigger asthma or may aggravate certain medical conditions, particularly in very young children and the elderly.
The haze is being caused by dry dust from Asia. The dust contains small particles that tend to remain in the air for long periods of time. These particles can be transported thousands of miles and concentrations can fluctuate with changing wind patterns and atmospheric conditions.
Guam EPA is closely monitoring air conditions across the island and is working with the National Weather Service (NWS) to provide the latest information on the vog's impact to Guam.
For further information about the air quality in the affected areas, contact Tammy Anderson at 475-1663 or 688-9800.
