The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has advised the public, especially children, pregnant women, older adults, and persons with pre-existing heart and lung diseases, to wear nose masks to stay safe from the current dusty dry air (Particulate Matter 2.5).
The Agency has also cautioned susceptible persons to limit outdoor activities, noting that the pollution levels could trigger allergic reactions and worsen conditions, including asthma.
The main constituent of the dust is Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 - fine (smaller) particles that can penetrate deep into the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, impairing the normal function of organs, which is hazardous to health.
PMs are seen and unseen tiny pieces of solids or liquids in the air.