African Dust Alert in Alcorcón: Community of Madrid Warns of Air Concentration

The region issues a warning due to the arrival of African air masses, which will cause an increase in suspended particles in the central area.

Generic image of a city with dusty air and low visibility.
IA

Generic image of a city with dusty air and low visibility.

The Community of Madrid has issued an alert for the arrival of African air, which will cause a concentration of suspended dust in Alcorcón and the central area of the Iberian Peninsula during Wednesday, April 8.

The warning, which extends throughout Wednesday, April 8, forecasts a surface-level particle accumulation of between 5 and 200 µg/m3. This situation, not unprecedented in the locality, has been confirmed by the Center for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research (CIEMAT) and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), and has even been disseminated by the Alcorcón Fire Department.
Although this phenomenon does not pose an immediate and serious risk to general health, poor air quality could lead to adverse effects on the population. Therefore, it is advised to minimize prolonged and intense outdoor physical activities, especially if symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, or throat irritation are experienced.
For at-risk groups, including children aged 0 to 6 years, individuals over 65 years old, pregnant women, those with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular diseases, diabetics, immunocompromised individuals, and those who regularly perform physical work outdoors, outdoor activities should be postponed or carried out indoors. Furthermore, it is crucial for these groups to meticulously follow their medical treatment plans.