Public Health Advisory
Following recent reports of haze in specific areas of Quezon City and Rizal, the Department of Health (DOH) reminds the public to monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) of their areas to help avoid polluted air.
There are two commonly used indicators for AQI: Particulate Matter 10 micrometers (PM 10), and PM 2.5. Both commonly come from sources like vehicle emissions, burning of trash, wildfires, or fire incidents. PM 10 causes irritation of the upper respiratory tract like the sinuses and throat; PM 2.5 can go deep into the lungs and cause asthma attacks, and can also cross over into the blood posing problems to our cardiovascular system.
Individuals sensitive to air pollution such as those with asthma, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and similar conditions are advised to always have their rescue medications on standby (example: Salbutamol, etc.) for use as prescribed by their doctors.
For both sensitive individuals and the general public, avoid or minimize exposure to haze or polluted outdoor air by staying indoors. If going outdoor is necessary, wear a face mask, preferably an N95 mask.
“Bilin ng ating Pangulong Marcos na siguraduhing ligtas ang publiko, lalo na ang mga pasyenteng may kondisyon sa baga, sa mga panahong ganito na may haze,” said Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa. “Laging alamin mula sa DENR o inyong local government kung ano ang air quality index ng inyong lugar para magabayan sa dapat gawin,” added the Health Chief.
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Note: The AQI data are gathered by the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and are often displayed online or in user-friendly weather or AQI apps.
