Asthma sufferers will now be able to monitor which areas to avoid during days of dust storms through the http://www.adairquality.ae website. The website provides real time data on air quality in the emirate.

Dust storms can trigger asthmatic attacks if one is not prepared. While asthma is chronic, by properly monitoring and managing it, people can enjoy a good quality of life.

Asthma sufferers can experience recurring episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing, particularly at night or in the early morning.

In the UAE, asthmatics need to be aware of and try to avoid allergens, like dust mites in humid areas, and particulate matter in the air such as dust, smoke or smog from sandstorms. Air quality scientists call this PM10, or particulate matter smaller than 10 microns, which is approximately the thickness of a human hair.

To ensure that the community has access to important air quality information, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has developed a website where data from EAD’s 20 air quality monitoring stations are transmitted live, 24 hours a day.

The data collected allows EAD to monitor and measure five major air pollutants — particle pollution (also known as particulate matter), nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and ground-level ozone.

The data from each station represents accurate measurements for the respective surrounding area.

Air quality status is highlighted through six clearly-defined levels of health concern — good, moderate, unhealthy for sensitive groups, unhealthy, very unhealthy and hazardous.

“One of our strategic priorities at EAD is to ensure that the emirate’s air is clean,” said Shaikha Ahmed Al Hosani, acting director of Environmental Monitoring and Analysis Division, at EAD’s Environmental Quality Sector.

“Our research indicates that the key cause of poor air quality in Abu Dhabi is due to a natural cause; desert dust storms. So, while keeping an eye on these dust storms, we are also controlling and regulating industrial air discharges,” said Al Hosani.

“If you have a respiratory problem and on the days when dust storms are severe, it is advised that you avoid areas classified as ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’ or above by staying indoors and continue to take your regular medication,” said Dr. Khaled Al Jaberi, manager of Non-Communicable Disease at the Health Authority – Abu Dhabi (HAAD).

via Website on air quality launched; asthma sufferers to benefit.