Manila air quality ranges from unhealthy to very unhealthy
The air quality in several areas of Manila reached unhealthy to very unhealthy levels on Tuesday, Sept. 1, prompting the city government to advise residents, particularly those belonging to sensitive groups, to limit prolonged outdoor activities.
The Department of Environment and Public Services (DEPS) said two of the city’s five air quality monitoring stations under the Asia Blue Skies Project recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) level classified as “unhealthy for sensitive groups” as of 6 a.m.
These were the monitoring stations at Sta. Ana Hospital and Rajah Sulayman Park.
The three other stations—Puregold Tayuman, Anda Circle, and San Sebastian Residences—recorded “very unhealthy” AQI levels.
The city government said the elevated air pollution levels could be attributed to forest and land fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia.
DEPS advised individuals considered sensitive to air pollution, particularly those with respiratory conditions such as asthma, senior citizens, children, and pregnant women, to limit prolonged outdoor activities, especially in affected areas.
The advisory is part of the Manila City Government’s continuing efforts to monitor air quality and protect public health amid conditions that may affect the city’s urban environment.