'Mask up': Quezon City faces 'unhealthy' air quality amid scorching heat
MANILA, Philippines (Updated 3:54 p.m.) — With several areas in Quezon City experiencing "unhealthy" to "very unhealthy" air quality levels, residents are urged to wear face masks when outdoors, adding to the challenge of bearing the sweltering heat.
In an advisory issued on Monday, April 28, the Quezon City government identified 11 areas with unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups, while five areas had very unhealthy levels. These findings were based on the air quality index (AQI) recorded from 8 a.m. on April 27 to 8 a.m. on April 28.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said the "hazy skies" on Monday may have been caused by the fire at the Sanitary Landfill in Montalban, Rizal, and two warehouse fires in Commonwealth, Quezon City.
Areas with “unhealthy” air quality:
- P. Dela Cruz Street
- Korea-Philippine (Korphil) Quezon City University
- Quirino Highway corner Mindanao Ave.
- Tandang Sora Brgy. Hall Footbridge
- Novaliches Wet and Dry Market
- Brgy. Sauyo Baluyot Satellite Hall
- Far Eastern University (FEU) Diliman
- Jose Rizal School
- Pearl Drive Foodbridge
- Payatas Super Health Center
- Cubao Arayat Market
Areas with “very unhealthy” air quality:
- Susano Road
- Kaligayahan Elementary School
- Lagro High School
- Payatas Controlled Disposal Facility
- Maligaya Elementary School
Understanding the index. The AQI measures air pollution, focusing on fine particles, such as those 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5), that can be inhaled and pose health risks.
Each classification reflects the concentration of pollutants per cubic meter of air in a given area. The higher the pollutant levels, the poorer the air quality.
While the Quezon City government did not release the data, IQAir reported an AQI of 90 as of 12:40 p.m. today, which is considered moderate and approaching unhealthy levels.
The Swiss air quality firm found that around 30 micrograms of PM2.5 pollutants are present per cubic meter of air, six times the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended annual average.
Earlier, the figures and forecasts for the coming hours were much lower. However, they are expected to decrease slightly but remain at moderate to near-unhealthy levels throughout the day as the chance of rain increases.
Worse levels than in March. Compared to the AQI recorded by the Quezon City government from March 25 to March 26, the air quality today is significantly worse. Areas currently experiencing unhealthy and very unhealthy conditions previously had good or fair air quality, with none categorized as unhealthy.
However, with the summer season and rising temperatures across the country, the World Meteorological Organization warned that air quality and pollution are expected to worsen. This is mainly due to stagnant air caused by hot weather, which allows pollutants to accumulate.
Stay indoors. Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant individuals and those with heart or lung conditions, are advised to stay indoors and keep windows closed to prevent outdoor air pollution from entering.
“Kung hindi maiiwasan ang pag-alis o paglabas ng bahay, lalo na sa mga may respiratory diseases tulad ng hika, huwag kalimutang magsuot ng face mask,” the local government’s climate change and environmental sustainability department said.
(If leaving the house or going outdoors is unavoidable, especially for those with respiratory conditions like asthma, don't forget to wear a face mask.)
Residents experiencing health issues due to the current air quality can contact the Quezon City Health Department at 8929-8038 or reach the QC Helpline at 122 for emergencies.
Other cities in Metro Manila are also experiencing moderate to unhealthy air quality levels. Taguig City has an AQI of 112, Marikina City has 77, Manila ranges from 64 to 70, while Pasay has 56.
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