By Ma. Teresa Montemayor | Philippine News Agency
The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday urged the public to wear N95 face masks and limit outdoor activities as haze from forest fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, has reached parts of Luzon and the Visayas due to the southwest monsoon or “habagat.”
In an advisory, the DOH warned that haze contains dirty air mixed with fine smoke, dust, and ash that can trigger acute respiratory issues and eye irritation.
“Maaaring magdulot ang haze ng hirap sa paghinga, pag-ubo, pananakit ng dibdib, pangangati o pagluluha ng mga mata, at paglala ng mga sakit sa baga tulad ng hika. Dobleng pag-iingat ang kailangan para sa mga bata, matatanda, at mga may dati nang sakit sa baga o puso,” it said.
To minimize exposure, the agency outlined several preventive measures for affected communities, including staying indoors, sealing indoor spaces, driving safely, and wearing protective masks. The DOH advised that N95 masks must be worn when outdoors.
If N95 masks are unavailable, the public may use a damp handkerchief or cloth. Double-masking or folding a handkerchief or cloth twice may be done as alternative protection to reduce particle inhalation.
“Alamin ang lagay ng hangin sa inyong lugar at unahin ang kaligtasan,” the DOH said.
It also reminded the public to immediately contact the National Emergency Hotline 911 for urgent medical assistance.
Closely monitored
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said Tuesday that some areas have recorded higher air quality readings, particularly for PM2.5 (particulate matter), prompting the agency to closely monitor the situation.
“There are certain areas na naging elevated ang ating air quality, especially PM2.5 dahil sa mga nangyayari sa ibang mga bansa right now na naka-carry dito, so we’re monitoring that,” Sec. Cuna said in an interview at a Davao City event.
The DENR – Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), in an advisory, said several areas in the National Capital Region (NCR), Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa are being monitored for haze since Monday.
The agency said the haze is possibly associated with smoke and transboundary haze from ongoing fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, which prevailing winds may have transported toward the Philippines.
In a separate public service advisory, the EMB-NCR said several areas in Metro Manila recorded high PM2.5 levels as of Sept. 1, with air quality ranging from “Very Unhealthy” to “Acutely Unhealthy” levels.
Cuna advised local governments in areas with elevated readings to take precautions, particularly for people who may be more sensitive to poor air quality.
“So yung advice namin for now to the LGUs na medyo matataas ang reading na yung may mga edad siguro stay indoors muna pero kung kailangang talagang lumabas stay indoors muna,” he said.
The EMB advised the public to limit prolonged outdoor activities, particularly in areas visibly affected by haze.
Children, older persons, and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions were urged to limit outdoor exposure and take necessary precautions. (with a report from Marita Moaje/PNA)
