The Guam Environmental Protection Agency (Guam EPA), in conjunction with Guam Homeland Security and Office of Civil Defense, today extended the haze advisory for Guam.
The advisory will be in place for the next 48 hours. Residents who feel they are adversely affected by the haze are encouraged to stay inside and reduce their physical activity outside.
The haze is being caused by pollution from Asia, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Guam EPA is working closely with the NWS to monitor weather and haze conditions. The haze is expected to lift on Saturday when northeasterly and east winds increase.
Guam EPA is also working with the Guam Public School System in distributing the advisory to all schools.
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 depend 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.
For further information about the air quality in the affected areas, contact Tammy Anderson at 475-1663 or 688-9800.
