Humans to blame for Metro Manila haze, not Taal Volcano

MANILA, Philippines — The haze that covered Metro Manila in the past two days was due to human activities and not from the restive Taal Volcano in Batangas, an official of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) clarified on Tuesday.

“The haze in Metro Manila is most likely caused by human activities, such as emission of vehicles, and not due to Taal,” Science Undersecretary and Phivolcs officer-in-charge Renato Solidum Jr. said.

“You can see this pollution clearly in the morning when the temperature is cooler as the sun has just risen. The haze is from the ground and moving up and very evident in major roads,” he said.

This was further confirmed by an air quality report from the Department of Public Services (DPS).

DPS said that under their air quality monitoring report from 10 a.m. of Monday, June 28, until 9 a.m. of Tuesday, June 29, the Air Quality Index City was “observed to be dominated by ‘unhealthy’ and ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’.”

The agency said that this was due to the increasing concentration of PM2.5 levels recorded in several areas in Manila since June 25.

Following the report, the DPS encouraged the public that if any adverse effects are experienced, consult a doctor or the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team for proper treatment.

Solidum noted that the plume over Taal on Monday moved toward the northeast and not to Manila.

In an advisory on Monday, Phivolcs warned the volcanic smog, or “vog” – a type of air pollution – observed over Taal Volcano’s caldera can irritate the eyes, throat and respiratory tract.

The vog was caused by high levels of sulfur dioxide gas emissions from the main crater, the agency said.

Phivolcs urged the public to limit their exposure to vog, avoid outdoor activities and stay indoors and shut doors and windows.

The DPS also noted that people with lung and heart disease, older adults and children are advised to stay indoors as they are at a greater risk from air pollution exposure.

The public was also advised to cover their noses, ideally with an N95 facemask, and drink plenty of water to reduce any throat irritation or constriction. – Jose Rodel Clapano