”Very negative” air quality in Las Pinas 11 am Monday: DENR

January 13, 2020

A "very negative" air quality index was recorded in Metro Manila due to harmful ashes spewed by Taal Volcano last Sunday, a Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) official said Monday. 

DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda said the most negative impact of Taal Volcano eruption to the air quality was recorded around 11 am Monday by the Las Piñas monitoring system. 

The ashfall, which  reached Metro Manila carried the particular matter  (PM 10) which consists of sulfates, nitrates, metals, dust particles, soil and other chemicals from the volcano. 

Antiporda said PM 10 is harmful for those who have respiratory problems and sensitive respiratory organs. Individuals who will be exposed to PM 10 will experience symptoms and signs of respiratory issues such as dbreathing difficulties. 

Antiporda assured the public that following light rains experienced in the metropolis, its air has began to have moderate to fair quality. 

But he urges people to take precautions and to use recommended anti-dust mask, such as N95. 

"The air quality is getting better and the skies are cleared does not mean that it is already clean. We still have to be careful and use recommended face mask," he explained. 

"When the fallen rainwater with the dust particle begin to dry in land, it might float again in the air and get inhaled by the people. It poses risk of immediately enetring the respiratory system," he added. 

Antiporda also warned about the possibility of a more dangerous dust particle brought by Taal Volcano's airbourbe ashes. 

"We are being cautious for the particular matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) which is a smaller particle. Unlike PM 10, when this is inhaled, it will be absorbed to the bloodstream and proceed to the lungs. It is very fine (and not visible) so you wouldn't know if you breathed it in until you experience the symptoms," said Antiporda.  Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS