Wear protective masks, reduce activity, DENR says

The regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) called on the public to wear protective mask to reduce respiratory exposure to airborne contaminants such as particles, gases or vapors.

“Although we are awaiting for the results we advise the public not to stay longer in any outdoor activities and lessen prolonged or strenuous outdoor physical exertion. Those who are sick especially the elderly and children should stay indoor,” DENR-7 information office Eddie Llamedo said.

The advisory was issued in light of the “smaze” or a combination of smoke and haze that had been visible in the skies of Cebu in recent days.

With a wind speed of 0.1 meter per second, the suspected haze or smaze could still be experienced in the coming days, when the outdoor air quality worsens.

Llamedo said the public should close their doors and windows to reduce the rate of haze particles to enter.

He said adequate hydration is recommended.

“Also, we urged our motorists to wear the necessary sun glasses to avoid eye irritation.”

He said they are hoping for strong winds to blow away the smaze.

Studies show that the impact of air pollution has something to do with the levels of pollutants, the extent or duration of contamination exposure, a person’s health and level of outdoor activity.

“If we can adjust or reschedule our outdoor activities while there’s still smaze or suspected haze the better to avoid health complications,” he said.

Llamedo said DENR undersecretary for field operations Demetrio Ignacio Jr. will be attending a high-level meeting in Singapore on Tuesday together with Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand to discuss concerns on the trans-boundary haze.