Airborne particles affect air quality, which can impact our health. The National Health Service (SNS) shared recommendations on social media this Wednesday to help protect the public.
“Did you know that the air we breathe affects our health? Stay alert and protect yourself,” the authority advised, further emphasizing that “poor air quality can worsen your health condition.”
This is particularly important if you suffer from any of these four conditions: “asthma,” “chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,” “cardiovascular diseases,” or “respiratory allergies.”
Remember: “Children and the elderly are also vulnerable,” and should be given extra care.
How to protect yourself?
The National Health Service highlighted five key recommendations for protection on days when air quality is poor:
- Follow your therapeutic plan;
- Avoid outdoor activities;
- Keep doors and windows closed;
- Wear a mask outside;
- Monitor air quality alerts.
Air quality specialist Francisco Ferreira warned today of potential poor air quality in the coming days due to heat, fires, and particles carried from North Africa.
Lusa | 16:40 – 04/08/2025
Do you know the QUALAR Index? Learn what it is
The QUALAR Index “helps us determine which measures to adopt based on pollutant concentration levels” – on a scale from ‘poor’ to ‘very good’.
- “Poor – Everyone should avoid outdoor physical exertion;
- Weak – Everyone should avoid exposure to other risk factors (tobacco, irritants);
- Medium – Sensitive individuals should limit outdoor activities;
- Good or Very Good – None.”
