Poor air quality persists in VisMin

MANILA, Philippines — The quality of air in some parts of the Visayas and Mindanao remained “very unhealthy” yesterday due to forest fires in Indonesia, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

As of noon, the amount of particulate matter in Western Visayas, Soccsksargen and parts of Northern Mindanao, particularly in Iligan, was at “very unhealthy” levels, as shown by the air quality index.

In Central Visayas, the air quality was described as “acutely unhealthy,” while Eastern Visayas, Davao region and the rest of Northern Mindanao were at “unhealthy for sensitive groups” levels along with Bicol.

The rest of the Visayas and Mindanao as well as Mimaropa have a “fair” level air quality, while the rest of Luzon is at “good” levels.

The public has been advised to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure, particularly in areas blanketed by haze.

People sensitive to air pollution including children, the elderly and those suffering from respiratory or cardiovascular conditions have been told to remain indoors and take necessary precautions.

Wearing of face masks, preferably an N95 or of equivalent quality, is recommended when going out in areas where haze is visible.

Kanlaon eruption causes air pollution

Meanwhile, the recent eruption of Kanlaon Volcano is also contributing to the poor air quality in some areas in Negros Island Region (NIR), according to the Environmental Management Bureau.

EMB-NIR chief Vicente Losbañes said volcanic ash emitted by Kanlaon may add to the particulate matter in the air, which can penetrate the lungs when inhaled.

The EMB-NIR said the haze that has been blanketing some areas in the region may also be associated with smoke coming from the ongoing forest fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Latest air quality monitoring showed “acute unhealthy conditions” in La Castellana, “unhealthy for sensitive groups” in La Carlota City, and “very unhealthy” levels in Bacolod.

Some barangays in La Castellana and La Carlota City are located at the foot of Kanlaon, where moderately explosive eruptions have been occurring since February. –  Gilbert Bayoran