High concentration of dust in the air leads to warning of air pollution risks

The Environmental Protection Ministry and the Health Ministry warned people with health risks to stay inside on Sunday.

 Dusty fog envelopes the rooftops of Jerusalem. (photo credit: ARIELLA MARSDEN)
Dusty fog envelopes the rooftops of Jerusalem.
(photo credit: ARIELLA MARSDEN)

Two days after Passover ended, much of the country woke up on Sunday to a plague-like thick layer of dust on their windows, cars and patios.

The high concentrations of dust on the ground later rose into the air in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria and in the North, due to winds blowing dust into Israel from Jordan.

Visibility was low, although the yellowish hues in the sky gradually cleared toward the afternoon and evening.

The Environmental Protection and Health ministries issued a statement recommending that people who are at risk stay indoors as much as possible due to high levels of pollution in the air.

The warning was aimed for the most part at people with heart and lung issues, the elderly, children and pregnant women.

 Dusty fog envelopes the rooftops of Jerusalem. (credit: ARIELLA MARSDEN)
Dusty fog envelopes the rooftops of Jerusalem. (credit: ARIELLA MARSDEN)

A further warning was issued to the general population to refrain from strenuous exercise outside until the dust settles.