Metro Manila residents were urged to take precautions as haze believed to be linked to fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, affected air quality in several cities.
Based on data as of 6 a.m. from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) in the National Capital Region, several areas recorded high levels of PM2.5, or particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter.
Eleven cities recorded acutely unhealthy levels, with Parañaque having the highest reading at 296; Quezon City (Ateneo), 241; Las Piñas, 237; Manila, 231; Malabon, 229; Taguig and Valenzuela, 224; Marikina, 217; Muntinlupa, 216; San Juan, 213; and Mandaluyong, 207.
Very unhealthy levels were recorded in Pateros and Navotas at 172 and 153, respectively, while Makati’s reading of 111 was considered unhealthy for sensitive groups. Air quality was fair in Quezon City (Commonwealth Avenue), with a reading of 98.
With unhealthy air conditions, residents can take the following steps to reduce their exposure:
Wear a mask when going outside
If going outdoors is necessary, wear respiratory protection such as an N95 mask, which can help reduce exposure to fine particles.
Stay indoors as much as possible
When air quality reaches unhealthy levels, limit unnecessary outdoor activities and prolonged exposure.
Under the EMB’s PM2.5 guidelines, people are advised to limit outdoor exertion when conditions become acutely unhealthy, while those with heart or respiratory diseases are advised to stay indoors and rest as much as possible.
Protect vulnerable people
Children, older adults, pregnant women and people with respiratory or heart conditions may be more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution.
Monitor the air quality in your area
Air quality can vary from one part of Metro Manila to another. Residents should therefore check the Air Quality Index (AQI) before deciding whether to spend time outdoors.
The EMB-NCR provides real-time air quality monitoring data, including PM2.5 measurements, through its monitoring stations across the region.
The DENR-EMB reminded the public to rely on official advisories from the agency or their respective local government units during episodes of haze or deteriorating air quality.
Health hazards
The World Health Organization said PM2.5 can penetrate the lungs and enter the body through the bloodstream, affecting all major organs.
It said exposure to PM2.5 can harm the cardiovascular and respiratory systems and can cause conditions such as stroke, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
New research has also shown an association between prenatal exposure to high levels of air pollution and developmental delays at age 3, as well as psychological and behavioral problems later in life, including symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression.
The Indoor Air Hygiene Institute said studies also suggest that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter may be associated with increased rates of chronic bronchitis, reduced lung function and increased mortality from lung cancer and heart disease.
‘People with breathing and heart problems, children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to PM2.5,’ the institute said.
Exposure to fine particles can also affect lung function and worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease.
‘Scientific studies have linked increases in daily PM2.5 exposure with increased respiratory and cardiovascular hospital admissions, emergency department visits and deaths,’ the institute’s study said.
IQAir said PM2.5 can be produced by a variety of sources, resulting in different chemical compositions and physical characteristics. Sulfates, nitrates, black carbon and ammonium are among the most common particles that make up PM2.5.
The anthropogenic generation of PM2.5 can largely be attributed to combustion engines, power generation, industrial processes, agricultural processes, wood and coal burning and construction. The most prevalent natural sources of PM2.5 include dust storms, wildfires and sandstorms.
It said ‘small particles pose the greatest risk to human health’ and that ‘while the nose can filter most coarse particles, fine and ultrafine particles are inhaled deeper into the lungs where they can be deposited or even pass into the bloodstream.’