THE Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (QCDRRMO) has issued an advisory urging residents to wear face masks when venturing outdoors due to unhealthy to very unhealthy air quality in certain areas.
The QCDRRMO, in a Facebook post, stated that individuals with respiratory conditions should consider staying indoors whenever possible. For those who must go out, wearing a mask is crucial for health protection. The public is also reminded to call the QC Helpline 122 in case of emergency.
The QC LGU’s air quality map for April 27-28 identified several areas with “very unhealthy” air quality:
- Maligaya Elementary School
- Kaligayahan Elementary School
- Lagro High School
- Susano Road
- Payatas Controlled Disposal Facility
Additionally, the following areas were flagged as having air quality that is “unhealthy for sensitive groups”:
- Novaliches Wet and Dry Market
- P. Dela Cruz Street
- Korphil Quezon City University
- Pearl Drive Footbridge
- Payatas Super Health Center
- Quirino Highway cor. Mindanao Ave.
- Tandang Sora Brgy. Hall Footbridge
- Brgy. Sauyo Baluyot Satellite Hall
- FEU Diliman
- Jose Rizal High School
As of April 28, Swiss research firm IQair reported a Quezon City air quality index of 90, with Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5) being the primary pollutant. The PM2.5 concentration of 29.9µg/m³ is six times the World Health Organization’s annual PM2.5 guideline value.
IQair explained that PM2.5 particles, measuring 2.5 micrometers in diameter or less, are easily absorbed into the bloodstream upon inhalation, posing a significant health threat. The firm advised sensitive groups to wear masks outdoors, limit outdoor exercise, close windows to avoid polluted air, and use air purifiers.
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