Air quality in Cebu closely monitored during New Year revelry

Local

AS fireworks and firecrackers lit up the night to drive away bad luck and welcome good fortune during the New Year celebrations, experts monitored the air we breathe in Central Visayas.

Environmental Management Bureau-Central Visayas (EMB-7) tracked real-time air quality and particulate matter levels during the peak of celebrations in ushering in the New Year.

Monitoring was conducted using Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Systems (CAAQMS) from 12:00 midnight to 2:00 a.m., covering Dec. 31, 2025 to January 1, 2026, in selected areas in Cebu.

Fireworks and other celebratory activities can temporarily increase airborne particulate matter, which may affect sensitive groups.

What the terms mean

PM consists of tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air.

PM2.5 refers to fine particles with diameters of 2.5 micrometers or less, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and may enter the bloodstream.

PM10 refers to coarse particles with diameters of 10 micrometers or less, which can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.

A human hair is roughly 30 times larger than a PM2.5 particle, highlighting how small and easily inhaled these particles are.

Good air classification

In Toledo City, both PM2.5 and PM10 were recorded at very low levels, ranging from 0 to 5 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m³), which corresponded to a Good air quality classification.

At these levels, the air was clean and posed little to no risk to the health of the general public.

Unhealthy air

In Talisay City, particulate matter levels were higher. PM2.5 concentrations ranged from 40 to 51 µg/m³, which falls under the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups category.

At this range, people with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, were advised to limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

PM10 concentrations were also recorded at 40 to 51 µg/m³ and classified as Fair, indicating that air quality was generally acceptable for most people, though a very small number of unusually sensitive individuals could experience minor effects such as throat or eye irritation.

The monitoring activity is part of EMB 7’s ongoing efforts to provide accurate air quality information during periods of temporary increases in pollutants.

Data collected from CAAQMS helps guide the public and raise awareness about environmental conditions in Central Visayas.

As some continue to welcome 2026, EMB-7 encourages responsible celebrations, minimizing activities that produce smoke, and fostering collaboration to protect both public health and the environment.(MyTVCebu)

Write to New MyTV I.T.