Bacolod: The City Health Office (CHO) has issued a warning urging residents of Bacolod to wear masks for protection following the recording of a 'very unhealthy' air quality index (AQI) level on Wednesday. This situation is attributed to haze affecting several areas in the country, including the Negros Island Region.
According to Philippines News Agency, the CHO released a health advisory reminding the public, particularly vulnerable groups, to adhere to safety measures. The advisory specifically called on children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions to exercise caution.
An air quality update at 8 a.m. indicated a 'very unhealthy' AQI level at monitoring stations in Bacolod City and La Castellana, Negros Occidental, as reported by the Environmental Management Bureau-Negros Island Region (EMB-NIR). This agency, part of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, is actively monitoring ambient air quality levels due to the haze, which may be linked to smoke and transboundary haze from ongoing fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia.
EMB-NIR Director Vicente Losba±es has called on local government units to help raise public awareness about the haze impacting the region, particularly Bacolod City. He explained that the area is affected by grass and forest fires in Indonesia, with smoke being carried by southwest monsoon winds.
The air quality health guide categorizes a "very unhealthy" AQI level as having a Particulate Matter 10 (PM10) level between 151 and 200. A "good" level ranges from 0 to 50, while "fair" ranges from 51 to 100. Currently, Bacolod City has a PM2.5 level of 171, and La Castellana has 153.
Particulate Matter (PM) refers to tiny solid or liquid particles in the air that pose serious health risks when inhaled. PM10 includes particles 10 micrometers or smaller, such as dust, smoke, and soot, which can reach the lungs. PM2.5, or ultrafine particles of 2.5 micrometers or smaller, are more dangerous as they can penetrate deeper into the lungs and enter the bloodstream.
The EMB-NIR issued a cautionary statement advising pedestrians to avoid heavy traffic areas. It also recommended that individuals with heart or respiratory diseases, such as asthma, stay indoors and rest as much as possible, postpone unnecessary trips, and voluntarily limit vehicle use.
