DENR flags poor air quality in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines — Poor air quality – ranging from “very unhealthy” to “acutely unhealthy” – shrouded many parts of the National Capital Region yesterday, based on monitoring by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

In a 3 p.m. air quality monitoring update by the DENR, Marikina and Valenzuela logged “acutely unhealthy” PM 2.5 air quality levels, while a “very unhealthy” air quality index was recorded in Caloocan, Malabon and Quezon City. PM 2.5 concentrations in Navotas City and San Juan City were deemed “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” At 2 p.m., Manila also logged poor air quality levels. PM 2.5, which stands for particulate matter at 2.5 micrometers, refers to air pollution particles that can enter the lungs and bloodstream, posing health risk when inhaled for prolonged period.

Smoke being emitted by the Navotas Sanitary Landfill Facility since April 10 has contributed to the poor air quality in Metro Manila and adjacent areas. The landfill area caught fire two weeks ago. Air pollutants may include emissions from motor vehicles and industrial facilities, agricultural burning and fires.

Residents in affected cities are advised to stay indoors and wear respiratory protection such as an N95 mask. The Quezon City government said monitoring sites in SB Diversion Road, Barangay Sauyo Baluyot Satellite Hall, Tandang Sora Barangay Hall Footbridge, St. Peter Church Footbridge, Batasan Hills Barangay Hall, San Isidro Church and the Payatas Controlled Disposal Facility showed “very unhealthy” air quality since 8 a.m. on Friday.

Twenty-eight other sites recorded “unhealthy” air quality during the period, the city government said. Only the sites in Valencia Barangay Hall, Sto. Domingo Church and La Loma Police Station recorded “fair” air quality.

Metro Manila is experiencing a “thermal inversion,” which occurs when “warm air sits above cooler air and acts like a lid that prevents pollution from rising,” according to the EMB. “This phenomenon occurs occasionally in a given area,” the EMB said.