WARNING: Parts of Metro Manila hit unhealthy air levels

Residents urged to mask up, stay indoors

Air pollution reached potentially harmful levels in several parts of Metro Manila on Saturday, September 12, prompting health precautions particularly for children, senior citizens and people with respiratory or heart conditions.

Data from the Environmental Management Bureau-National Capital Region (EMB-NCR) showed that as of 12 noon, six monitoring areas recorded PM2.5 air quality classified as “unhealthy for sensitive groups.”

Malabon posted the highest Air Quality Index (AQI) reading at 143, followed by Las Piñas at 138 and Parañaque’s Don Bosco station at 130.

Muntinlupa also registered unhealthy readings at both its Bilibid and Filinvest stations, with AQI levels of 114 and 109, respectively. Parañaque’s PEATC station recorded 108.

Tiny particles, serious risk

PM2.5 refers to extremely fine airborne particles measuring 2.5 micrometers or smaller. Because of their tiny size, these pollutants can penetrate deep into the lungs.

At “unhealthy for sensitive groups” levels, people who are more vulnerable to air pollution may experience health effects even when the general population is less likely to be affected.

Residents in affected areas are advised to limit prolonged outdoor activity, stay indoors when possible and wear a well-fitting mask when going outside, particularly if they belong to vulnerable groups.

Air quality varied sharply across the metropolis. Makati, Pateros and Quezon City’s Commonwealth monitoring station remained in the “good” category, while Manila, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Navotas, Pasay, San Juan, Taguig, Valenzuela and the Ateneo monitoring station in Quezon City registered “fair” air quality.

The readings are a snapshot of conditions at noon and may change throughout the day depending on traffic, emissions and weather conditions.

READ: