Unhealthy air: Wearing of face masks urged in some Metro Manila cities

A number of cities in the National Capital Region (NCR) on Saturday urged their residents to wear face masks when going out of their houses due to “unhealthy” to “very unhealthy” levels of air quality.

Manila

The Manila City government reported that as of 12 p.m., air quality around Anda Circle, San Sebastian Residences, and Sta. Ana Hospital was recorded as “unhealthy for sensitive groups” (UFSG), while Puregold Tayuman was at the “very unhealthy” level, based on air quality sensors in four monitored locations.

“Dahil dito, mahigpit pa rin na inaabisuhan ang publiko lalo na sa paligid ng Puregold Tayuman na iwasan ang paglabas kung hindi kinakailangan at magsuot ng face mask bilang proteksyon laban sa masamang epekto sa kalusugan dulot ng maduming hangin,” the Manila City government advised.

(Because of this, the public, especially around Puregold Tayuman, is still strictly advised to avoid going out unless necessary and to wear a face mask as protection against the adverse health effects caused by polluted air.)

Further, children, senior citizens, pregnant women, and those with respiratory illnesses such as asthma should stay indoors and avoid going out.

Quezon City

The Quezon City government, meanwhile, advised all of its citizens to remain inside their homes due to “unhealthy” to “very unhealthy” quality of air.

“Nananatiling “Unhealthy” at “Very Unhealthy” ang kalidad ng hangin sa Quezon City base sa Air Quality Index (AQI) ngayong 2:00PM,” it announced. “Ito ay posibleng dulot ng usok mula sa sunog sa Navotas Landfill na pinalalala rin ng thermal inversion (pagka-trap ng polusyon malapit sa lupa).”

(The air quality in Quezon City remains “Unhealthy” and “Very Unhealthy” based on the Air Quality Index (AQI) as of 2:00PM… This is possibly caused by smoke from the fire at the Navotas Landfill which is also exacerbated by thermal inversion (trapping of pollution near the ground.)

“Kung ‘di maiiwasan ang pag-alis, lalo na sa mga senior citizens, buntis at may respiratory diseases tulad ng hika, huwag kalimutang magsuot ng face mask,” it further advised.

(If going out is unavoidable, especially for senior citizens, pregnant women, and those with respiratory diseases such as asthma, don't forget to wear a face mask.)

Navotas

Navotas City also advised its residents to wear their face masks; stay indoors with doors and windows closed; people with heart or respiratory conditions, such as asthma, should stay indoors and rest as much as possible; non-essential travel should be postponed; If leaving the house cannot be avoided, do not stay outside for long periods of time.

“Tumaas po sa 159 ang Air Quality Index (AQI) sa Navotas na nasa antas na ng Masama sa Nakararami ngayong 12:00 PM,” the Navotas City government reported.

(The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Navotas has increased to 159, which is now at the Poor for Most Levels level as of 12:00 PM.)

Mandaluyong

The Mandaluyong City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department (CDRRMD) also reported that recent air quality monitoring showed PM2.5 Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in parts of the city.

The Mandaluyong City government said that although “Air quality is still generally acceptable” for the general public but “it is best to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure, especially in polluted areas.”

Thus, sensitive groups such as children, older persons, pregnant women, and individuals with asthma, heart, or lung conditions “may begin to experience health effects and are strongly advised to take precautions.”

The Mandaluyong government recommended precautionary measures as the following:

• Limit prolonged or heavy outdoor activities, especially near busy roads
• Wear a well-fitted face mask (N95 or equivalent) when going outside
• Keep windows and doors closed when possible to reduce indoor air pollution
• Stay hydrated and watch for symptoms such as coughing or difficulty breathing
• Seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen

—VAL, GMA News