Metro Manila cities record ‘unhealthy’ air quality after New Year revelry

MANILA, Philippines — Several cities in Metro Manila have experienced unhealthy to very unhealthy air quality following the New Year’s festivities on Wednesday, January 1.

Very unhealthy. IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company, found that Manila had the highest air pollution level in the National Capital Region, with an air quality index (AQI) of 218. 

This indicates that each cubic meter of air in the city contains between 125.5 and 225.4 micrograms of pollutants. 

According to IQAir, an AQI of 218 falls in the “very unhealthy” range, meaning the general public will likely experience noticeable effects. Sensitive groups — such as children, the elderly, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions — are advised to stay indoors and wear masks.

Unhealthy. Makati, Taguig and Parañaque follow Manila with AQIs of 166, 159 and 153, respectively, all of which are categorized as “unhealthy.” This means air particles hold between 55.5 and 125.4 micrograms of pollutants per cubic meter.

Residents of these cities may face negative health effects, especially on the heart and lungs, with those having preexisting conditions experiencing worsened symptoms. People are advised to avoid outdoor activities in the meantime.

Unhealthy for sensitive groups. Pasig and Marikina, meanwhile, have AQIs of 134 and 118, respectively, which are classified as “unhealthy for sensitive groups.” 

This is equivalent to pollutants ranging from 35.5 to 55.4 micrograms per cubic meter of air.

The poor air quality poses a risk to the general public, particularly vulnerable populations, leading to eye, skin and throat irritation, along with respiratory issues.

Outdoor activities should be limited, and sensitive groups should avoid them altogether. People are encouraged to wear air pollution masks to protect against inhaling contaminated air.

Moderate to good. Other Metro Manila cities, such as San Juan, Caloocan and Quezon City, had moderate air quality, which is still considered harmful to human health due to the presence of at least 9 micrograms of pollutants per cubic meter of air.

Mandaluyong City is the only city in Metro Manila with good air quality after the New Year celebrations, recording an AQI of 50.

The data included in the story is based on the recorded air quality by IQAir at 11:04 a.m.