The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) stated that the air quality in some areas in the National Capital Region (NCR) are still up to “very unhealthy” levels and “unhealthy for sensitive groups”
The DENR- EMB’s Real Time Ambient Air Quality Monitoring as of 8: 00 a. m. shows that air quality in the following areas are alarmingly “very unhealthy” and “unhealthy for sensitive groups”.
- Caloocan- unhealthy for sensitive groups with 128 AQI
- Makati- unhealthy for sensitive groups with 139 AQI
- Pateros- very unhealthy with 167 air quality index
The AQI indicates the levels of air pollution, offering a measure of air quality and its impact on public health.
“Very unhealthy” is ranging from level 151 to 200 AQI, indicating that individuals with heart or respiratory conditions like asthma should remain indoors and rest as much as possible. Trips that are not that important should be postponed.
While “Unhealthy for sensitive groups” ranges from 101 to 150 AQI, meaning that individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma should restrict outdoor activities.
Good level of air quality ranges from 0 to 50 AQI, this means that pollution poses little risk because the air quality is satisfactory.
This “very unhealthy”air should serve as a warning, due to the imminent threats of climate change to human health
The air pollutants classified as Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2. 5) were tracked by the DENR-EMB, which are particles with diameters smaller than 2.5 micrometres.
PM2. 5 can penetrate deep into the lungs and this can cause breathing difficulties and harm lung tissues, as well as worsen pre- existing heart conditions and respiratory issues.
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