Metro Cebu began October with air pollution still at a level that could affect people sensitive to poor air quality, although readings improved throughout the day on Thursday.
The Environmental Management Bureau Region 7 (EMB 7) recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 125 at 4 p.m. on Oct. 1 at its Metro Cebu monitoring station, classified as “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”
The reading was lower than the AQI of 141 recorded at 7 a.m. and 136 at 11 a.m.
Under the classification, people who are particularly vulnerable to air pollution, including those with respiratory conditions such as asthma, are advised to limit prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity.
Despite the improvement in the readings, particulate pollution remained elevated in Metro Cebu.
The latest air quality conditions come as Central Visayas continues to experience transboundary haze associated with forest fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia.
Earlier monitoring by EMB 7 linked elevated particulate levels in Metro Cebu to smoke and fine particles carried from Indonesia by prevailing southwesterly winds associated with the southwest monsoon, or habagat.
EMB 7 air quality specialist Arthur Niño Calupig previously said the southwesterly winds were carrying smoke from West Kalimantan toward Central Visayas, including Cebu.
The haze has affected parts of the Visayas and Mindanao in recent weeks, with air quality fluctuating depending on wind conditions and the movement and concentration of pollutants.
The Metro Cebu monitoring station provides an indication of air quality conditions across the metropolitan area, although pollutant concentrations may vary between locations depending on atmospheric conditions.
A continuing concern during haze episodes is exposure to fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, which can penetrate deep into the respiratory system.
During the earlier haze episode, EMB 7 advised residents, particularly those belonging to vulnerable groups, to limit prolonged exposure outdoors.
The Department of Health also previously advised the public to limit unnecessary outdoor activities and use protective masks amid haze linked to Indonesian forest fires and the southwest monsoon.
EMB 7 continues to monitor ambient air quality in Metro Cebu as the regional haze persists.
Residents with asthma and other respiratory conditions are advised to limit strenuous outdoor activity when pollution levels are elevated and to monitor official air quality advisories.
Photo by Jacq Hernandez
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