Bacolod city: The Negros Occidental provincial government has instructed local government units (LGUs) and health facilities within the province to implement immediate measures following reports of "very unhealthy" air quality in certain areas.
According to Philippines News Agency, an advisory was issued by the Negros Occidental Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Unit (EOHSU) and the Provincial Health Office (PHO). The advisory highlighted recent air quality monitoring results, indicating "very unhealthy" levels of particulate matter (PM2.5), which are minute particles in the air measuring 2.5 micrometers or less. The air quality was also found to be "unhealthy for sensitive groups."
The PHO has urged health facilities and LGUs to carry out prompt health interventions to mitigate respiratory and cardiovascular risks. As of noon Saturday, some monitoring stations reported air quality ranging from good to fair. However, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Environmental Management Bureau-Negros Island Region (EMB-NIR) continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as needed.
Between September 2 and the morning of September 4, monitoring stations in Bacolod City and La Castellana recorded 'very unhealthy' air quality indices. This close monitoring follows reports of haze affecting multiple regions in the Philippines, believed to be linked to transboundary haze from fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia.
The provincial advisory also includes recommendations for LGUs to provide N95 masks or equivalent protection for outdoor and high-risk workers. Workplaces are advised to limit or suspend outdoor activities, employing work rotation or indoor reassignment during periods of high pollution. Residents are encouraged to minimize outdoor exposure by keeping doors and windows closed to prevent polluted air from entering homes.
Negrenses are further advised to avoid outdoor physical activities or prolonged exposure in areas with poor air quality. Additionally, the advisory underscores the importance of not underestimating the cumulative health risks associated with fine particulate matter exposure.
The advisory also strictly prohibits activities such as open burning of waste and agricultural materials under 'very unhealthy' air quality levels to prevent further deterioration of air quality.
