The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has dismissed a viral social media message linking Sierra Leone’s current weather conditions to extreme air pollution.
The message, which has caused widespread concern, falsely claimed to be from the EPA and listed various health risks, including respiratory infections, reduced lung function, and oxidative stress.
The statement also included precautionary measures, such as wearing nose masks, drinking warm water, and avoiding air conditioning at night. However, the EPA swiftly debunked the claims, labeling the message as fake.
In an official press release, the EPA clarified, “It is fake and did not come from the EPA. The same was being shared around the same time last year, and we issued a disclaimer.”
The agency reassured the public of its commitment to addressing legitimate environmental and air quality issues while urging citizens to verify information through official channels to avoid unnecessary panic.
