Author Topic: EMB7: Air quality in Metro Cebu improving but still not haze-free  (Read 825 times)

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EMB7: Air quality in Metro Cebu improving but still not haze-free

CEBU - In spite of the improving air quality in Metro Cebu, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) said Cebu is still not haze-free and that tiny dust particles lingering in the air could still pose health risk especially to vulnerable groups. 

Engr. William Cuñado, regional director of the DENR-EMB7, in a press conference said the latest air monitoring result showed dust particles otherwise known as particulate matter with a size of 2.5 micrometers in diameter reached a 24-hour average value of 49 micrograms per normal cubic meter.

This passed the allowable limit of 75 micrograms per normal cubic meter based on the National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Values under the Philippine Clean Air Act.

“But even if the concentration of the dust particles has reduced, this does not necessarily mean that air quality is already safe,” said Cuñado, adding that a declaration of safe air quality means monitoring results of the dust particles in the air in a 24-hour period must show normal limits.

Cuñado said there are still erratic changes in the monitoring results as the highest concentration of dust particles was recorded during nighttime at around 8:30 p.m. last night at 315 micrograms per normal cubic meter, exceeding the allowable limit.

The lowest concentration was recorded at 3:30 this morning at three micrograms per normal cubic meter.

The DENR-EMB7 regional director attributed wind velocity as a major factor behind the level of concentration of the dust particles which varies at day and nighttime. 

Dr. Jaime Bernadas, regional director of the Department of Health (DOH-7), on the other hand advised the use of personal protective gadget like mask to protect themselves from the dust particles.

“We recommend the use of N95 mask especially those belonging to the vulnerable groups like those with bronchial asthma, pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases and extreme ages or the elderly and the very young,” said Bernadas, adding these groups are prone to developing respiratory tract infections.

For those not under the vulnerable groups, Bernadas suggested the use of ordinary face mask.

Cuñado, however, said those who cannot afford to buy the N95 mask can settle for a handkerchief or face towel which should be wet and placed it over one’s nose and mouth.

The dust particles will settle on the wet hanky or face towel.

According to Cuñado, only heavy rains can be the ultimate solution to eradicate or scrub off the 2.5 micrometer-diameter particulate matter suspended in the air.

Cuñado likewise said densely vegetated areas can expect lesser concentration of dust particles as these can be trapped in the leaves of the trees as the agency’s reforestation program has been a huge boost in addressing the problem.

Both Bernadas and Cuñado advised the public to seek immediate medical consultation in case of even the slightest difficulty in breathing as this could be an effect of the haze which has not only affected Metro Cebu but has reportedly reached some parts in southern and northern parts of the province and the region.

Bernadas said city, municipal, and provincial health offices are required to furnish DOH-7 continuous monitoring reports in the number of respiratory cases in their respective areas.

Cuñado said that starting tomorrow, DENR-EMB7 will conduct daily press conference every 1:00 p.m. to update the public on the latest monitoring report of the air quality in Metro Cebu and other related updates. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)

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