Air turns ‘very unhealthy’ in parts of Visayas, Mindanao amid haze

National

HAZE pushed air quality to “very unhealthy” and “acutely unhealthy” levels in parts of the Visayas and Mindanao, prompting the Department of Health (DOH) to urge residents to limit outdoor activities, wear masks and monitor official advisories.

The DOH advised the public to avoid prolonged or strenuous activities outdoors when air quality deteriorates. Those who need to go outside were encouraged to wear masks, while outdoor workers were told to take regular breaks indoors and prioritize their health.

The agency likewise urged residents to monitor air quality advisories from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) and their respective local government units.

Children, older adults, pregnant women and people with heart or lung conditions were urged to exercise greater caution as they may be more vulnerable to the effects of poor air quality. The DOH also advised those with prescribed medicines to keep them readily available.

Motorists were cautioned as well, with haze potentially reducing visibility and affecting road conditions.

To help the public assess pollution levels and determine appropriate precautions, the DOH has issued an Air Quality Index (AQI) guide.

The AQI ranges from “good” and “fair,” under which normal activities may generally continue, to “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” “very unhealthy,” “acutely unhealthy” and “emergency,” with progressively stricter measures advised at higher levels.

At the emergency level, the DOH advises everyone to remain indoors and keep doors and windows closed to reduce exposure to polluted air.

While Metro Manila experienced better air quality, parts of the Visayas and Mindanao recorded significantly higher pollution levels, according to the DENR.

Based on DENR air quality monitoring at noon yesterday, PM 2.5 levels in Las Piñas, Malabon, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Quezon City, Taguig and Valenzuela were classified as “fair.”

Caloocan, Mandaluyong, Manila, Marikina, Navotas, Pasay, Pateros and San Juan, meanwhile, recorded “good” air quality.

Outside Metro Manila, the Bicol Region and Zamboanga Peninsula registered “very unhealthy” air quality, while Central Luzon and Northern Mindanao reached “acutely unhealthy” levels.

University of the Philippines-Diliman Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology professor Gerry Bagtasa explained that changes in wind direction affected the movement of smoke from fires.

“So, most fire emissions are towards the Visayas and Mindanao, not much in Luzon (yesterday),” he said in a Philstar report.

As of 2 p.m., sensors across Quezon City recorded “good” to “fair” air quality.

The city government had suspended classes in public schools on Tuesday after monitoring “unhealthy” air quality due to the haze.(MyTVCebu)