The EMA is warning that the air quality level in Trinidad and Tobago has registered as “Unhealthy”.

According to its Air Quality Index, readings at monitoring stations in Mayaro, Pt Lisas, Port of Spain and San Fernando are all RED or “Unhealthy” as at 11am.

The EMA says the increase in Particulate Matter is due to Saharan dust, and is urging sensitive groups including older adults, children, individuals with heart or lung disease, respiratory ailments and allergies to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.

The EMA, through the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Network has been obtaining accurate, real-time assessment of ambient air quality at strategic points nationally.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a number used by government agencies to communicate to the public how polluted the air currently is, or how polluted it is forecast to become.

There are currently six Ambient Air Quality Monitoring stations in Trinidad and Tobago: five are located in Trinidad (Mayaro, Arima, Port of Spain, Point Lisas and San Fernando) and the sixth station is located at Signal Hill, Tobago.