Expert Gives Tips On Harmattan Management

A climatologist, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, has urged the public to put up protective and adaptive measures to reduce the effect of harmattan on them and their wards.

Ologunorisa told our correspondent in Lagos that more attention be given to children, old people and pregnant women during the period to avoid contact with wind-borne diseases.

“Though everybody needs protection, children, pregnant women and old people should be more protected this period, because they are the most vulnerable.

“They need to wear sweaters, overflowing clothes, eat warm food, stay indoors and out of dusty areas, rub cream on their bodies and wet their lips to avoid cracks of skin and lips,’’ he said.

Ologunrisa who is the Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Environmental Studies at the Osun State University, Osogbo said the period would result in high prevalence of respiratory, vocal and cold-induced diseases.

He also advised the public on the use of clean handkerchiefs and other protective materials in covering their mouths and noses against contact with dust.

Ologunorisa expressed the optimism that medical bills would be reduced when people know how best to conduct themselves during the period of harmattan season.

“A lot of people are presently exposing themselves to different diseases like cold, catarrh, cracked voices, pneumonia and nasal disorder because they failed to put protective measures in place.

“Before anybody leaves the confines of their rooms and houses, they should wear clothes that shield their skins, wet their lips and avoid dusty environment,’’ he said.

The climatologists appealed to motorist to within the period ensure the use of wipers, switch on their head lights early in the morning and evenings to avoid collision with people and other road users.

He, however, said the season would be favourable to the ripening of fruits and other agricultural produce, as well as being a natural panacea to healing of wounds and injuries.