Tuesday, April 29, 2008 City's air quality 'fair', says EMB
THE ambient air quality of the business district for the first quarter of the year remains at a "good" or "fair" level, reported the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB).
The report released by the EMB used readings from the recently installed air quality monitoring station, at the foot of Session Road. The machine measures not just the emission of particulates but also harmful chemicals like sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NO2), particulate matters (PM-10), ozone (O3) and carbon monoxide (CO).
Results of the air quality were done on a 24-hour and eight hour monitoring system.
However, concentrations of CO2 increased last February. The pollution control division of the EMB explained the increase might have been influenced by the closure of Session Road for the Panagbenga festival.
The EMB said taking Magsaysay Avenue and Harrison Road as alternate routes aggravated traffic volume and increased the level of air pollution in these areas. Barbecue stands and food stalls along Session Road also affected air quality, the EMB added.
SO2, NO2, PM-10, O3 and CO are gases usually emitted by vehicles and industries like factories. These elements damage the environment and also harm people and animals when fumes are inhaled. (RO)
