What’s happening:

The Environmental Protection Ministry has alerted the public about elevated air pollution levels across Israel on Sunday. The high concentrations of particulate matter have been attributed to strong westerly winds from Egypt, causing local sandstorms, particularly in the Negev and Arava regions.

Why it matters:

Air pollution poses significant health risks, especially to sensitive groups such as people with heart and respiratory conditions, the elderly, children, and pregnant women. The Ministry has advised these groups to avoid strenuous outdoor activities. The general population is also urged to minimize such activities to reduce health risks.

By the numbers:

Particulate matter, often smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, can deeply penetrate the respiratory tract and cause health issues. These particles include a mix of substances like metals, chemicals, and organic compounds.

What’s next:

The Ministry anticipates an improvement in air quality during the night in the northern and central parts of Israel, as precipitation arrives and wind directions shift. For the Negev and Arava, better air quality is expected by Monday morning.

The big picture:

This pollution event highlights the broader environmental challenges facing Israel, including the impact of climate and regional weather patterns on public health and safety.

This story was first published on jpost.