For respiratory illnesses: CCMC opens haze fast lane

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) has opened a dedicated fast lane for patients experiencing respiratory distress amid the haze that has affected Cebu City and Metro Cebu for the past week.

Kenneth Siasar, chief of staff of Mayor Nestor Archival, said the city-run hospital has been instructed to prepare for patients suffering from haze-related illnesses.

“Nagpaandam kita og kanang nebulizer and some other medicines. And then naay fast lane for that, aside from the fast lane sa dengue, naay fast lane for katong nagka-experience og difficulty of breathing because of the haze,” Siasar told reporters during a press briefing yesterday.

He confirmed that some residents have experienced asthma attacks triggered by the deteriorating air quality.

“It was reported nga naay mga tawo na nga nagka-experience of kanang exacerbation sa ilang asthma because of that,” he said.

While the number of patients remains limited, CCMC's emergency room and outpatient department have admitted individuals suffering from respiratory problems.

“Dili gyud daghan kaayo, pero naa gyud nagpasulod sa atong emergency room ug outpatient department. In fact, naa tay mga personnel nga mga hubakon pud nga affected pud sila tanan,” Siasar noted.

Councilor Dave Tumulak also visited CCMC last week to check on the hospital's preparations, including the procurement of nebulizers.

“Nangutana siya kung naa na ba tay mga nebulizer, nagka-purchase ba ta’g nebulizer in preparation for that,” Siasar said.

Classes suspended

The Cebu City Government has also ordered the suspension of face-to-face classes in basic education, directing schools to continue lessons through online learning.

Colleges and universities, however, were not included in the suspension.

“Ang the most vulnerable sector man jud sa atong mga estudyante ang atong mga bata… compare nimo sa college nga they are responsible enough to protect themselves. They can wear mask all the time,” Siasar explained.

City Hall is also preparing to distribute face masks, with schools expected to be prioritized should the haze persist.

“Manghatag ta ana. Una ta sa mga eskwelahan… aron matagaan nato og mask ang mga bata,” Siasar said.

Authorities continue to urge the public, particularly vulnerable sectors, to take precautions and limit unnecessary outdoor activities.

“Atong gihangyo ang atong general public, labi na katong mga vulnerable sector sa society, ang atong mga senior citizen ug ang atong mga bata… kung dili kaayo importante ang paggawas nato, let’s refrain from going out. Otherwise, kung mugawas kita, malihog lang pag-wear kamo og mask,” Siasar advised.

Despite the measures being implemented, the city government has not declared a health emergency.

“Murag layo pa. I hope… hopefully dili lang unta,” Siasar remarked.

Changing conditions

Meanwhile, prevailing wind patterns, rainfall, temperature and other atmospheric conditions continue to influence the fluctuating air quality in Metro Cebu.

Engr. Arthur Niño Calupig, air quality specialist of the Environmental Management Bureau in Central Visayas (EMB-7), said during a press conference that prevailing winds in the region generally come from the southwest, affecting the movement and dispersion of airborne pollutants.

Calupig said rainfall may temporarily reduce particulate matter in the atmosphere as water droplets bring down suspended particles.

However, he said such improvement may not last once temperatures rise again and prevailing wind patterns return.

He stressed that there is no definite forecast on how severe air pollution could become, as pollutant concentrations depend heavily on wind direction, wind speed and other atmospheric conditions.

Instead, EMB-7 continues to rely on its air-quality monitoring stations to determine the actual concentration of pollutants at ground level.

Calupig also cautioned the public against interpreting satellite images as direct measurements of the pollution being experienced on the ground.

He explained that satellite imagery can show the movement or trajectory of pollutants high in the atmosphere, but does not necessarily reflect their concentration at ground level.

Because of this, actual readings from air-quality monitoring stations remain crucial in determining the conditions experienced by communities.

Calupig said satellite and wind-trajectory information may indicate the possible source and movement of pollutants.

In the current haze episode, he said wind trajectories and atmospheric models have pointed to areas in Indonesia, including forest-fire activity in West Kalimantan, as a possible source of particulate pollution reaching the region.

However, he emphasized that not all pollutants coming from Indonesia would directly reach Central Visayas.

Changes in wind direction, including sudden shifts and gusts, can cause pollutants to disperse or move along different trajectories, he said.

This may partly explain why PM2.5 concentrations rise and fall from one monitoring period to another.

Calupig said monitoring data showed elevated levels of fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, during the haze episode.

At one monitoring period, the PM2.5-based Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 150, which falls under the “very unhealthy” category.

Monitoring data from September 1 to 7 also showed a recurring daily pattern in PM2.5 concentrations.

According to Calupig, concentrations tend to increase from around midnight through the early morning, particularly toward the morning hours. Levels generally decrease from late morning through the afternoon before rising again at around 5 p.m. and into the evening.

He explained that atmospheric conditions that limit the dispersion of pollutants can cause particulate matter to remain suspended in the air, resulting in higher concentrations.

Wind speed and direction are also important factors in determining pollutant concentrations in a particular area.

Strong winds can help disperse pollutants, while changes in wind patterns can redirect airborne particles. Rainfall may likewise temporarily improve air quality by removing some particles from the atmosphere.

Temperature and other atmospheric conditions can also affect how pollutants behave and remain suspended in the air.

This explains why the AQI may improve at one point and deteriorate again several hours later.

Haze versus smog

Calupig also explained the difference between haze and smog.

Haze is associated with fine particles suspended in the atmosphere that reduce visibility and can give the surroundings a brownish or hazy appearance.

Smog, meanwhile, is generally associated with smoke and other pollutants and may appear grayish or darker.

The presence of haze, however, should not be judged solely by its appearance, as actual air-quality measurements remain necessary to determine pollutant concentrations.

Despite periods when the AQI improves, Calupig urged the public not to become complacent.

He advised residents to continue monitoring air-quality advisories and take precautionary measures, particularly when pollution levels increase.

He specifically identified vulnerable groups as people with heart conditions, asthma or bronchitis, pregnant women, children and older adults.

The public is also encouraged to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to areas with elevated air pollution whenever possible.

For protection against particulate pollution, Calupig recommended the use of appropriate protective masks. N95 or KF94 masks are preferred, while surgical masks may be used when these are unavailable, with double masking as an alternative.

Calupig said the haze may persist as long as prevailing wind patterns and other atmospheric conditions remain favorable for the transport of pollutants. — (FREEMAN)