'Wag masyadong lumabas: Unhealthy air hits QC; nearby cities after Navotas landfill fire—DENR
By Jel Santos
(MB FILE PHOTO)
Air quality levels turned “very unhealthy” in Quezon City (Manila Observatory) and “unhealthy” in Quezon City (Commonwealth Avenue), Navotas City, and Malabon City following a recent fire at a landfill in Navotas, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said.
This was based on data from the DENR’s PM2.5 Air Quality Index (AQI) as of 11 a.m. on Monday, April 13.
The agency said PM2.5, or fine particles, is classified as “unhealthy” at 35.1 to 45.0 and “very unhealthy” at 45.1 to 55.0.
According to the DENR, sensitive groups include individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma, who are advised to limit outdoor activity.
The agency added that its AQI monitoring station is located at the Navotas City Hall.
The DENR urged residents in affected areas to stay indoors with windows and doors closed, suspend outdoor activities where smoke or odors are present, and wear N95 masks when going outside, especially children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions.
“If you must go outside, use an N95 mask or an equivalent respirator,” the agency said.
The World Health Organization said particulate matter (PM) is a common indicator of air pollution, with strong evidence linking exposure to adverse health effects.
On April 10, a fire broke out at the Navotas Sanitary Landfill, leading to smoke emissions that affected air quality in the city and nearby areas.