Several Metro Manila areas record 'very unhealthy' air quality -- EMB-NCR

Make this your preferred source to get more updates from this publisher on Google.

Several areas in Metro Manila recorded “very unhealthy” air quality on Wednesday morning, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Environmental Management Bureau - National Capital Region (EMB-NCR) said.

Based on a 9 a.m. air quality monitoring report, the following areas recorded “very unhealthy” levels of PM2.5 pollution:

• Las Piñas – AQI 184

• Parañaque (Don Bosco) – AQI 177

• Parañaque (PEATC) – AQI 169

• Muntinlupa (Bilibid) – AQI 167

• Muntinlupa (Filinvest) – AQI 161

• Caloocan – AQI 155

• Taguig – AQI 153

Meanwhile, the air quality in the following areas is "unhealthy" for sensitive groups:

• Marikina (CEMO) – AQI 134

• Pasay – AQI 134

• Valenzuela – AQI 137

• Navotas – AQI 120

• Pateros – AQI 118

• San Juan – AQI 116

• Manila – AQI 115

• Quezon City (Ateneo) – AQI 110

• Makati – AQI 107

• Mandaluyong – AQI 107

• Marikina (Parang) – AQI 102

PM2.5 is fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the respiratory system.

According to the EMB-NCR, a thermal inversion may be contributing to poor air quality in parts of Metro Manila.

Thermal inversion occurs when warm air settles above cooler air, creating a lid that prevents pollutants from rising and dispersing into the atmosphere.

The EMB-NCR said the phenomenon may occur occasionally in a particular area.

It also noted that several factors may affect air quality readings, including wind direction, the location of air quality monitoring stations, and the sources of pollutants.

These sources may include emissions from vehicles, factories, and other activities. — RSJ, GMA News