THE Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) 7 has urged the public and the local government units to shun open burning of garbage as it can worsen the trans-boundary haze phenomenon that has hit parts of Cebu.
Cebu’s air quality is not yet normal, according to data gathered by the EMB 7’s three Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS).
As of Sunday afternoon, Sept. 22, 2019, the 24-hour Particulate Matter (PM) 2.5 test conducted at the CAAQMS in Talisay City recorded a 42.55 micrograms per normal cubic meter, said Cindylyn Pepito-Ochea, head of EMB 7-Environmental Education and Information Unit.
The result means that the air condition in Cebu is nearing safe levels. Cebu’s usual air quality ranges from 15 to 30 micrograms per normal cubic meter per day.
The forest fire in Sumatra, Indonesia has caused the haze in Cebu in the past days.
Earlier, the EMB 7 reported that exceeding the safe guideline value of 50 micrograms per normal cubic meter is already considered an unhealthy level.
Public warning
The problem on haze has pushed the Cebu Provincial Board (PB) to encourage the public to take precautionary measures to protect their health.
In its regular session on Monday, Sept. 23, the PB approved a resolution warning the public of health risks brought about by the haze currently experienced in Metro Cebu and aggravated by the southwest monsoon.
The measure was filed by fourth district PB Member Kerrie Keane Shimura, who heads the committee on public health and social services.
As a preventive measure, the PB has advised the public to wear protective equipment such as, but not limited to dust masks and goggles. Staying indoors is also highly encouraged as well as staying hydrated, increasing fiber intake and avoiding strenuous activities.
PM 10 test
The CAAQMS in Mandaue City and Cordova conducted PM 10 tests, and the inspectors recorded good and fair air quality results, respectively.
EMB 7 personnel recorded 49.97 micrograms per normal cubic meter in Cordova and 92.75 micrograms per normal cubic meter in Mandaue City.
The PM 10 test’s safe guideline value is at 150 micrograms per normal cubic meter.
Particulate matter is also particle pollution, which is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets.
Particle pollution includes PM 2.5—a dust particle measuring 2.5 micrometers in diameter. The average human hair is about 70 micrometers in diameter, making it 30 times larger than the largest fine particle; and PM 10—inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 10 micrometers and smaller, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
As of Sunday, Ochea said, they observed that the haze worsened from 5 to 9 a.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m.
She said a downpour could help clear the air, but Cebu has yet to experience rain. HBL OF SUPERBALITA CEBU / RTF / KAL