Hi my friends it's been a while since I was here but have kept an eye on the site

[andyrrc]

Well it's been a long time since I posted anything or replied on the site, and my apologies for keeping in the background.

Last post I think I was in Kazakhstan but since then I have moved on and I am now back in Saudi Arabia and regretting it🙂

I spent some time in Qatar working on an insurance claim and then finished it off back in the UK.

It was a bit of a shock to the system being back and as you can see I left again after a few months.

The one thing that opened my eye to the difference was the air quality and the affect on my lungs. 6 months in the UK and not one bad day, back in Saudi for 2 months and already suffering shortness of breath. I think that this air quality is one of the biggest issues for the numbers of COPD sufferers around the Middle East and North Africa (one study said about 40 million have some form of lung problems). So as I get ready to drive back to the apartment I get out the mask and hope it makes a difference - blocking the fine sand and dust at least.

Anyway good to be back and glad to see that a lot of names I recall are still here and thriving.

Andrew

[sassy59]

Good to see you again Andy but it seems Saudi is as bad for you as ever. Air pollution is a big thing here too especially in the Cities.

Wishing you well. Xxxx

[Damon1864 Volunteer]

Hi Andy lovely to hear from you, pleased you are ok. Don't be a stranger let us Know how you are doing. Have a lovely day and take care of yourself 😊 Bernadette to

[HungryHufflepuff]

It's good to see you. 🏜️ It's strange the differences in air quality and reasons for the poor air quality. Take care of yourself.

[teenieleek]

Interesting Andy, you would think hot dry air would be the best for lungs but it seems not, if it’s full of sand dust.

[andyrrc in reply to teenieleek]

Yes it is good for the joints and other things but the lungs really take a hammering here. Lots of sand in the air together with the oil production facilities make it a very toxic mixture. I have started using a mask if it is looking dodgy or if there is a wind getting up. Fortunately most of the time is spent either in a car with lots of filters and the recirculation on or in air conditioned buildings. Not perfect but better than outside))

[Pentreath Volunteer]

Hi Andy - could your employers arrange for you not to be in areas of the world that make your lung issues worse?

[andyrrc in reply to Pentreath]

I keep asking but you need to go where you are needed and where the money is. My main issue is I work in oil and gas industry so no escape - even offshore))

[Yatzy]

Good to hear from you again, Andy.

The news from me is that I left the Llangollen area almost two years ago, and generally speaking , my breathing has improved enormously. I blame the Kronospan mdf factory that was across the valley from us. Glad to say goodbye to it. Penny 😉

[Caspiana]

Hi Andy, good to see you again. I hope you and your Mrs. are well. xx 😊👋

[watergazer]

Lovely to hear from you again Andy It seems many countries have air pollution from different sources

[Izb1]

Good to see you again Andy, still the same problems with air pollution, shame you have to work in these countries but as you say you go where the work is, lets hope they get you somewhere a little better in the future x