THE Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Central Visayas confirmed that a haze, an atmospheric phenomenom when dust, smoke and other dry particles obscure the clarity of the sky, is currently affecting parts of Metro Cebu.
Engr. Cindylyn Pepito-Ochea, EMB-Central Visayas's ambient air and water quality chief, said they are looking into the ongoing forest fires occurring in Indonesia as the source of the haze affecting Metro Cebu.
Ochea said that aside from Cebu, nearby areas in Indonesia such as Malaysia and Singapore also experiencing hazes due to forest fires in Sumatra.
With this, EMB-Central Visayas Director William Cuñado ordered a team from his office to conduct air quality testing in some parts of Metro Cebu.
Ochea said the testing will determine if Particulate Matter 2.5, which cannot be seen by the naked eye but is harmful to people, is present in the air within Metro Cebu.
She said they will issue public advisories if there is a need to wear masks when going outdoors. (From HBL of Superbalita Cebu/JKV)