“Acutely unhealthy”

CEBU, Philippines — Metro Cebu’s air quality deteriorated anew yesterday, September 19, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaching 264, classified as “acutely unhealthy,” amid continuing transboundary haze from wildfires in Indonesia.

The Environmental Management Bureau Region VII (EMB-7) recorded an AQI of 264 at its Metro Cebu monitoring station as of 11 a.m. on Sept. 19.

The latest reading marked a sharp reversal from the improvement recorded earlier this week, when Metro Cebu’s AQI was classified as fair.

On Sept. 16, the Metro Cebu station recorded an AQI of 57, classified as fair, while the Barangay Cabitoonan station in Toledo City registered 17, classified as good.

By September 18, however, Metro Cebu’s air quality began deteriorating, with the AQI reaching 146 at 11 p.m., classified as “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” The reading rose further to 264 by 11 a.m. on September 19, placing Metro Cebu in the “acutely unhealthy” category.

In Toledo City, the AQI was recorded at 33 at 11 p.m. on Sept. 18, classified as good. However, the reading later increased to 103, classified as “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”

The September 19 Metro Cebu reading was 207 points higher than the September 16 reading, or an increase of about 363 percent.

The latest reading also surpassed the previous peak of 251 recorded on September 3, making September 19 the highest AQI recorded in the monitoring data provided since the haze episode began.

Earlier monitoring showed how rapidly air quality had fluctuated this month. Metro Cebu’s AQI was 173, or very unhealthy, on September 1 before worsening to 251, or acutely unhealthy, on September 3.

Air quality subsequently improved, reaching the fair category by September 10 and remaining fair through September 16.

The improvement was interrupted on September 12, when the AQI climbed to 154, classified as very unhealthy, before dropping again to 57 on September 16.

EMB-7 said it is actively monitoring local ambient air quality as transboundary haze from Indonesian wildfires affects the region. The renewed deterioration also comes as Indonesia continues to deal with severe wildfires and transboundary haze.

The haze has been associated with wildfire activity in Kalimantan, Indonesia.

EMB-7 earlier identified elevated fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, as a concern during the haze episode.

With Metro Cebu now under the acutely unhealthy classification, EMB-7 advised the public to limit outdoor exertion.

People with heart or respiratory diseases, including those with asthma, were advised to stay indoors and rest as much as possible.

The bureau also advised residents to postpone unnecessary trips. Depending on the severity and persistence of the pollution, motor vehicle use may be restricted and industrial activities may be curtailed.

The public is urged to continue monitoring official air quality advisories and updates from EMB-7, as conditions may change depending on haze movement and prevailing weather conditions. — (FREEMAN)