Hazardous haze seen in 8 Philippine areas – DENR

MANILA, Philippines — A hazardous haze was observed in eight areas in the country on Thursday, Oct. 15, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) said.

In its 12 p.m. advisory, the agency said, “The observed haze is possibly associated with smoke and transboundary haze from ongoing fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, which may have been transported toward the Philippines by prevailing winds.”

The DENR-EMB said it monitored high concentrations of particulate matter (PM) 2.5, which refers to fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter.

READ: Walang pasok: Oct. 15 in-person classes suspended over poor air quality

The air quality index (AQI) at Western Mindanao State University in San Ramon, Talisayan, Zamboanga City, ranged from 201 to 300, classified as “acutely unhealthy.”

Under this category, the DENR-EMB advised the public, particularly those with heart and lung conditions, to limit outdoor activities, as air pollution may pose serious health risks.

An AQI of 151 to 200, classified as “very unhealthy,” was recorded in Sta. Cruz, Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.

The DENR-EMB advised the public in areas with very unhealthy air quality to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure and restrict vehicle use. Individuals with health conditions, such as asthma, were urged to stay indoors.

Meanwhile, the following areas recorded PM 2.5 levels that placed them in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category, with AQI readings ranging from 101 to 150:

• Meycauayan City Air Quality Monitoring Station
• Talisay City
• Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 10 Compound, Cagayan de Oro City
• Iligan City
• Brgy. Aplaya, Digos City, Davao del Sur
• Brgy. Culaman, Malita, Davao Occidental

Under this category, individuals sensitive to air pollution, such as children, older people, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, were advised to limit outdoor exposure.

According to the DENR-EMB’s AQI scale, air quality classified as “good” ranges from 0 to 50, while “fair” air quality ranges from 51 to 100.

The agency also advised the public in areas affected by the haze to take precautions and wear a well-fitting mask, preferably an N95 mask, when going outside. /mcm