THE regional Environment Management Bureau (EMB) noted a decline in the amount of dust particles in Metro Cebu’s air as of 3 p.m. today, Oct.26.
EMB-7 Regional Director William Cuñado said based on their monitoring, small dust particles or particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers in diameter reached an average value of 56 micrograms per normal cubic meter (µg/Nm3).
He said this is within the standard or allowable limit of 75 µg/Nm3 based on the National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Values under Republic Act 8749 or the Philippine Clean Air Act.
“This implies that the air quality in Metro Cebu is now improving,” Cuñado said.
However, the EMB-7 continues to recommend the use of N95 dust mask and goggles especially those with heart or lung diseases, the children and older adults.
Though the air quality has improved, continuous inhalation and exposure even to smaller concentrations of particles may result to its accumulation in the body causing health problems.