BACOLOD CITY – The Negros Occidental provincial government has directed local government units (LGUs) and health facilities to implement immediate interventions after air quality became “very unhealthy” in parts of the province.
In an advisory issued Friday night, the Negros Occidental Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Unit (EOHSU) and the Provincial Health Office (PHO) said recent air quality monitoring showed “very unhealthy” levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) and “unhealthy for sensitive groups” conditions.
Particulate matter refers to tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air that measure 2.5 micrometers (microns) or less in diameter.
“All concerned health facilities and LGUs are hereby directed to implement immediate health interventions to prevent respiratory and cardiovascular emergencies,” the PHO said.
As of noon Saturday, some monitoring stations already recorded air quality levels ranging from good to fair, based on the latest monitoring data of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Environmental Management Bureau–Negros Island Region (EMB-NIR).
However, the EMB-NIR said it continues to closely monitor ambient air quality in the region and will provide timely updates as necessary.
Between Sept. 2 and the morning of Sept. 4, monitoring stations in Bacolod City and La Castellana recorded “very unhealthy” air quality index.
The close monitoring of ambient air quality levels across the region followed reports of haze affecting several areas in the Philippines possibly associated with smoke and transboundary haze from ongoing fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia.
In the province’s advisory, the EOHSU and PHO said that as part of the institutional health and safety protocols, LGUs are advised to provide N95 masks or equivalent for outdoor and high-risk workers.
N95 masks filter out at least 95 percent of airborne particles.
Workplaces are instructed to limit or suspend outdoor activities and use work rotation or indoor reassignment during high pollution.
“Minimize outdoor exposure. Keep doors/windows closed and seal gaps to block polluted air,” the health advisory said.
Negrenses are also advised to avoid outdoor physical activity or prolonged exposure in areas with “unhealthy” or “very unhealthy” air quality level.
“Do not underestimate cumulative health risks from fine particulate matter exposure,” it further said.
Under “very unhealthy” air quality level, open burning of waste, agricultural materials and activities that worsen air quality is strictly prohibited.(PNA)