DOH: Better mask up amid haze from Indonesia forest fires

MANILA, Philippines — Transboundary haze from the forest fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, may persist in parts of the Philippines until Thursday as the prevailing southwest monsoon or “habagat” causes smoke to reach several regions in Luzon and the Visayas, environment and health officials said on Tuesday.

Several cities in Metro Manila also recorded “very unhealthy” to “acutely unhealthy” air quality levels on Tuesday morning, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB).

The Department of Health (DOH) advised the public to try staying indoors or wear an N95 mask when outdoors due to poor air quality attributed to haze. Those without an N95 mask may also use a wet handkerchief or cloth to cover their mouths and noses, or use two surgical or ordinary masks.

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READ: Forest fires in Indonesia bring haze to Metro Cebu

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The DOH said haze can cause difficulty in breathing, coughing, chest pain, watering of the eyes, itchiness in the nose, and could worsen respiratory diseases, such as asthma.

“Extra caution is essential for children, the elderly, and those with respiratory and heart illnesses,” the DOH said.

Those without an N95 mask may also use a wet handkerchief or cloth, or two surgical or normal masks worn to form double layers.

‘Beyond our control’

According to Jundy del Socorro, chief of the Environmental Quality Management Division of DENR-EMB, haze may continue to affect parts of the country until Thursday.

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“At this point, the haze situation is largely beyond our control because it depends on several factors outside the Philippines, including the intensity of the forest fires in Kalimantan, prevailing wind patterns, and rainfall across the region,” Del Socorro said.

Rainfall, he said, can help lower pollution levels by removing smoke particles and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from the atmosphere.

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PM2.5 refers to fine particles measuring 2.5 micrometers or smaller that can be inhaled deep into the lungs. Elevated levels can pose greater risks to people sensitive to air pollution.

“Between Sept. 4 and Sept. 6, air quality could gradually improve if rainfall remains widespread and wind patterns begin to shift,” said Del Socorro.

“Beyond Sept. 6, conditions will depend primarily on whether the fires in Kalimantan continue to generate smoke, whether new hot spots emerge, and whether winds continue to carry smoke toward the Philippines,” he added.

‘Acutely unhealthy’ areas

Data from the DENR-EMB as of 4 p.m. Tuesday showed the following areas in Metro Manila with “acutely unhealthy” levels of air quality: Parañaque (air quality index of 265), Las Piñas (245), Quezon City (237, Ateneo area), Malabon (227), Taguig (226), Manila (225), Valenzuela (221), Marikina (217), Muntinlupa (216), San Juan (214), and Mandaluyong (208).

Under the EMB scale, “acutely unhealthy” with an air quality index ranging from 201-300 is the second highest category, next to “emergency” with an air quality index of 301-500.

Areas under the “very unhealthy” category include Makati (188), Navotas (180), Quezon City (171, Commonwealth), and Pateros (167).

In a separate Facebook post, the DENR-EMB said among the regions affected by the haze included Central Luzon, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) and Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan).

Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV, Office of Civil Defense deputy administrator for administration, reminded motorists to use headlights or fog lights when traveling at night or in areas with poor visibility.

Visayas situation

In Bohol, residents in Tagbilaran City and nearby towns reported hazy, smoke-filled skies, with some saying the condition had been observed since Monday.

Mel Micayabas, 34, of Dauis town, said Panglao Island appeared to be covered in smoke when viewed from a distance.

From Tagbilaran, neighboring Cebu Island, which is usually visible across the Bohol Strait, was barely seen through the thick haze. The mountains of Maribojoc were likewise obscured.

Air quality in Metro Cebu reached the “very unhealthy” level on Tuesday morning, according to the DENR-EMB in Central Visayas.

Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado urged residents to wear masks when going outdoors and avoid unnecessary exposure to the haze.

In Western Visayas, residents of Tubungan town in Iloilo also reported hazy conditions on Monday, with some saying the air smelled strongly of smoke and caused discomfort as they breathe.

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Despite the haze, Iloilo City’s air quality remained within the “Good to Fair” range from Aug. 28 to 31, according to the latest monitoring results. —WITH REPORTS FROM GABRYELLE DUMALAG, HAZEL VILLA, AND LEO UDTOHAN