Respiratory Health

A mass of Saharan dust is affecting Honduras through next week with moderate particle concentrations expected to irritate airways and worsen asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions, prompting health authorities to recommend limiting outdoor exposure and wearing protective masks.

COPECO warns that Saharan dust concentrations in Honduras—which reached up to 90 µg/m³ this week—will peak again on August 10, and urges people with respiratory conditions, hypertension, and children to stay indoors and wear N95 masks during peak hours.

Copeco warns that Saharan dust will reach its highest concentration over Honduras on Sunday, with air-quality levels expected to remain moderate but potentially affecting people with respiratory conditions, the elderly, children, and pregnant women.

A heavy plume of Saharan dust will enter Honduras starting Saturday and linger through Monday, posing respiratory risks for people with heart and lung conditions, children, the elderly, and pregnant women.

Saharan dust arrived in Honduras on June 5, carrying bacteria and irritants that health authorities say pose respiratory and eye risks, urging masks and limiting outdoor exposure.