Metro Cebu air remains ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’

Local

AIR over Metro Cebu stayed under close watch as authorities maintained health advisories after monitoring stations recorded continued elevated levels of fine particulate pollution.

Data from the Talisay City monitoring station showed that PM2.5 levels remained above safety thresholds, pushing the Air Quality Index (AQI) to 112 at around 8 a.m. Saturday, April 18.

This placed air conditions under the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category, indicating continued risk for vulnerable populations.

The reading on Saturday came after a separate pollution spike was recorded on Friday, when Metro Cebu first experienced a noticeable haze and AQI reached 101 in the morning monitoring cycle.

That earlier reading also placed the area under the same health classification but marked the start of the deteriorating air quality trend observed across the metro.

Environmental monitoring by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Central Visayas on April 17 confirmed that the haze seen across parts of Metro Cebu was linked to elevated levels of fine particulate matter, particularly PM2.5.

These particles, though invisible individually, can accumulate in the air and reduce visibility while posing respiratory risks.

On April 17, PM10 levels were also recorded at AQI 72, classified as “Fair,” indicating moderate conditions compared to the more concerning PM2.5 levels that drove the health advisory.

Authorities noted that air quality varies across locations.

While Talisay City recorded elevated readings during both monitoring periods, the station in Barangay Cabitoonan, Toledo City reported significantly lower pollution levels on April 17, with both PM2.5 and PM10 falling under “Good.”

However, Toledo City data for April 18 remained unavailable due to a power interruption, leaving a gap in the latest regional comparison.

Health officials reiterated that PM2.5 particles are small enough to bypass the body’s natural filtration system and reach deep into the lungs and bloodstream.

This makes them particularly concerning even when haze appears light or only partially visible.

Under the Air Quality Index classification, the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category affects children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with asthma or existing heart and lung conditions.

Authorities advised these groups to remain indoors as much as possible and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure.

Officials also recommended the use of N95 masks for those who must go outside, especially during periods of elevated particulate pollution.(MyTVCebu)