Air quality across Metro Manila deteriorated significantly on Tuesday, September 1, as 11 out of 15 monitoring stations registered “acutely unhealthy” levels of fine particulate matter (PM_{2.5}).
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) indicated that the smog was “possibly associated with smoke and transboundary haze from ongoing fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia.”
According to environmental officials, prevailing wind patterns likely transported the microscopic pollutants—capable of penetrating deep into human lungs—toward the Philippines. The bureau is currently tracking atmospheric conditions across the National Capital Region, Calabarzon, and Mimaropa.
Early morning monitoring revealed critical pollutant spikes across several municipalities:
- Highest Reading: The Don Bosco station in Parañaque peaked at an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 300 at 7:00 AM, nearly touching the 301 emergency threshold.
- Acutely Unhealthy Category (201–300 AQI): Quezon City-Ateneo (242), Las Piñas (240), Manila (233), Malabon (230), Taguig-TUP (226), Valenzuela (224), Marikina-Parang (219), Muntinlupa-Filinvest (219), San Juan (214), and Mandaluyong (209).
- Very Unhealthy Category (151–200 AQI): Pateros (177), Navotas (155), and Makati (151).
- Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups: SMPH Commonwealth in Quezon City recorded the lowest Metro reading at 140.
In response to the dangerous atmospheric conditions, the DENR-EMB released health precautions urging residents to reduce outdoor exposure and protect vulnerable populations.
“Minimize prolonged outdoor activities, particularly in areas visibly affected by haze,” the bureau advised.
“Persons who are sensitive to air pollution, including children, older persons, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, are advised to limit outdoor exposure and take necessary precautions,” the agency added.
For individuals who must go outside, officials recommended wearing N95 or equivalent respirators, confirming that “the DENR-EMB is continuously monitoring air quality levels through its network of air quality monitoring stations to assess the extent and potential impacts of the haze.”