Cebu Haze: Public is Advised to Wear Dust Mask in Hazy Weather Condition

The Environmental Management Bureau Region 7 has issued a statement for Metro Cebu, Philippines residents regarding the current hazy weather condition in the city. EMB Region7 advised the public to wear dust mask or eye goggles to protect themselves from air pollutants.

Below is the full public advisory:

Metro Cebu is currently experiencing hazy weather condition caused by the forest fire in Indonesia and enhanced by Hanging Habagat.

Haze caused by forest fires can cause air pollution, which can bring about health risks for respiratory tract infections and cardiac ailments.

As of 8 a.m. today, realtime monitoring data for PM 2.5 showed a reading of 56 micrograms per normal cubic meter which is above the safe guideline value of 50 micrograms per normal cubic meter.

PM 2.5 is a particulate matter or a dust particle measuring 2.5 micrometers in diameter (about 3% the diameter of a human hair).

Since they are so small and light, PM 2.5 tend to stay longer in the air than heavier particles. This increases the chances of humans and animals inhaling them into the bodies and might bypass the nose and throat and penetrate deep into the lungs. Some may even enter the circulatory system.

With this, we encourage the public to take safety measures and wear personal protective equipments (PPEs) such as dust mask or eye goggles to protect yourself from air pollutants.

If you have nothing to do outside, stay indoors and always keep your windows and doors closed. Do not jog nor run outside as the body ingests more pollutants when active.

EMB-7 will give more details and updates through this FB page on the air quality of Metro Cebu.

Please share this information.

Read this advisory from Department of Health (DOH) on how to cope with Haze.