Air quality in some areas of Metro Manila recorded ‘very unhealthy’ levels on Wednesday, Sept. 30, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) said.
The agency attributed the levels to lingering transboundary haze possibly linked to fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia.
According to the DENR-EMB, high PM2.5 levels, referring to fine particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter, were observed in the National Capital Region.
The following areas logged an air quality index (AQI) ranging from 151 to 200, or ‘very unhealthy’:
Caloocan (University of the East)
Las Piñas
Muntinlupa (Parang)
Muntinlupa (Filinvest City)
Parañaque (Don Bosco)
Parañaque (PEATC)
Under this category, the bureau warned that prolonged exposure may worsen conditions among those with lung and heart conditions.
Meanwhile, the following areas logged AQI levels between 101 and 150, or ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups.’ Under this category, the air quality may pose risks to children, pregnant women, the elderly and other vulnerable individuals.
Mandaluyong
Manila
Marikina (Parang)
Navotas
Pasay
Pateros
Quezon City (Ateneo)
San Juan City
Taguig (TUP)
Valenzuela
The DENR-EMB advised the public in affected areas to limit outdoor activities and take precautions, such as wearing masks, preferably N95 masks, when going outside.
‘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,’ it explained in a statement.