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The Environmental Management Bureau in Central Visayas reported that the air quality index is now at 252 based on their latest monitoring, classified as "acutely unhealthy" and close to the emergency threshold of 300. Annie Perez
CEBU CITY — The Environmental Management Bureau in Central Visayas reported that the air quality index is now at 252 based on their latest monitoring, classified as "acutely unhealthy" and close to the emergency threshold of 300.
This is also the highest recorded based on historical data from the bureau.
Engr. Arthur Niño Calupig explained that this is still due to the wildfires in Kalimantan and Sumatra, Indonesia, where very fine particulate matter are transported through the southwest monsoon affecting Visayas and Mindanao.
“We don’t have a definite timeline when it will be over because the wind condition is favorable to our area,” said Calupig in Cebuano.
The last time an "acutely unhealthy" air quality was logged in Cebu was in 2015, also due to an Indonesian wildfire.
Calupig said that the situation is alarming and a serious health hazard.
“The concentration of 2.5 is too high. The closest health impact would be difficulty in breathing as the particulate matter is too small that may penetrate our respiratory system,” explained Calupig.
Aside from the suspension of classes, they are also calling on companies to consider work-from-home arrangements to limit the public’s exposure.
Several LGUs in Cebu already suspended classes today such as Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Carcar City and Minglanilla.
WEARING OF FACE MASKS
The Department of Health in Central Visayas is closely monitoring the situation and continues to advocate the wearing of face masks.
KN95 and N95 are best suitable to prevent the matter from entering the body.
Some Cebuanos already reported to experience itchy throat and stinging of the eyes due to the eyes.
Dr. Van Philip Baton of DOH 7 said that they are on the lookout for respiratory-related admissions such as pneumonia for the “very young and very old”.
“Another possible increase is asthma, so we may see this in our Rural Health Unit and private clinics. So reminder to the public is to consult immediately if there is history of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,” added Baton.
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