By Marita Moaje
MANILA – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said the hazy skies that greeted residents in the National Capital Region (NCR) on Monday may be caused by two separate fire incidents in Quezon City and in neighboring Rizal province.
These are the fires that broke out at a sanitary landfill in Montalban town and at a warehouse along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City, the agency’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) said in a statement.
Real-time air quality monitoring conducted by the DENR-EMB showed that concentrations of particulate matter, specifically PM10 and PM2.5, peaked between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m.
However, the EMB said readings normalized and returned within the guideline values by around 9 a.m.
PM or particulate matter is also called particle pollution, a term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air.
PM10 are inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 10 micrometers and smaller, while PM2.5 are fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller, and can pose health risks, especially for sensitive groups including children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
“The air quality reading varies in time and place and can change at any time depending on pollution sources and meteorological factors. DENR-EMB will continue to monitor air quality,” the agency said.
It, however, assured the public that it is continuing to monitor air quality levels and emphasized the importance of remaining cautious, particularly when pollution events like fires occur.
Earlier, the Quezon City government issued a warning and urged its residents to wear face masks following an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of “unhealthy” and “very unhealthy” levels in parts of the city.
The city government said the unhealthy air quality may pose health risks to some individuals, especially those with respiratory illnesses. (PNA)
