Puerto Rico's air quality was rated "unhealthy for sensitive groups" this Saturday, according to the air quality index of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA). The index registered 132, within the 101–150 range that defines this classification. Under this rating, sensitive groups—mainly asthmatics and people with lung or allergic conditions—are advised to reduce activities requiring prolonged or intense effort.
The DRNA website recommends resting often, doing less intense outdoor activities, and watching for symptoms like coughing or difficulty breathing. Asthmatics should follow their action plans and keep fast-acting medication on hand. People with heart conditions experiencing palpitations, breathing difficulty, or unusual fatigue are urged to contact their medical provider.
Dr. Benjamín Bolaños, associate professor in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Puerto Rico's Medical Sciences Campus, said samples from his monitoring stations in Caguas showed a large amount of Saharan/African dust, the presence of soot, and very few fungal spores. He said this combination is causing the unhealthy air conditions.