A text message circulating through mobile networks had warned that there could be acid rain in the country between March 20 and 28.
The text message said, “Be careful from the 20-28th of this month. There is the possibility of an acid rain. The dark circle appeared on 17th of last month and this is an indication of acid rain. Apparently this happens once in 750 years. It rains normally but it may cause skin cancer if you expose yourself to it. This information is from the National Space Agency in the United States.”
But Mr. Takao Doi, a Chief Space Applications Officer at the UN Office for Outer Space, has allayed fears of acid rain accompanying the current harmattan haze accross the country. He said “No acid rain is coming. The haze is a natural phenomenon. It is a result of climate change. There is no case for alarm. Don’t entertain any fear; the haze will go with time.”
Lagos State Commissioner for environment, Dr Muiz Banire also allayed fears. He revealed that samples taken yesterday showed high level of particulate matters in the air. He noted that the North East wind that blows across the Sahara Desert carries with it a lot of dust and the weather is very humid. He counseled that any rainfall any moment from now may have muddy particles and advised the public not to use it for human consumption, cooking or direct drinking.
Also people who are asthmatic and others with respiratory diseases are advised to stay indoor or cover their noses with wet handkerchiefs when they are going out.
