Air quality in Metro Cebu deteriorates once again

Local

WHEN going outdoors, residents in Cebu, particularly those with respiratory problems, are advised to wear masks as air quality deteriorated on Wednesday, Oct. 7.

But the air pollution is no longer due to transboundary haze and the forest and peat fires that had been raging in Indonesia’s Kalimantan region.

Wednesday’s haze is brought by local pollution coming from vehicle emissions, industrial operations, and other sources, the Environmental Management Bureau in Central Visayas (EMB-7) said.

“To date, no patterns of transboundary pollution, particularly coming from Indonesia wildfires, is observed,” said EMB-7.

As of 11 a.m. on Wednesday, air quality index in Metro Cebu hit “very unhealthy levels” at 157.

Meteorological factors have also contributed to the sudden drop in air quality.

According to EMB-7, air pollutants became trapped in the atmosphere following the end of habagat (southwest monsoon) and the start of the colder, amihan season (northwest monsoon).

“Low ambient temperature greatly affects the suspension of fine particulate matter in air due to “temperature trapping”, unable to dissipate or disperse the pollutants due to cold temperature, lessening the ability of warm air carrying pollutants to rise in the atmosphere,” EMB-7 explained.

It can be recalled that the state weather bureau declared the start of amihan last Monday, Oct. 5.

Since then, the air quality index in Metro Cebu has worsened, data from EMB-7 showed.

“Low ambient temperature particularly during nighttime up to early morning also contributed to the suspension of fine particulate matter in the air,” they said.

Additionally, authorities said the haze may still prevail for the coming days due to localized emissions and weather factors.

Rains, on the other hand, may improve air quality, the bureau added.

In the meantime, they advised the public to wear protective masks, such as N96 and KN95, as safety precautions.

“Sensitive groups are also advised to remain indoors and seek medical attention if an emergency may arise,” EMB-7 said.(RBE)