Dust Particles in Cebu’s Air Now Beyond Safe Limits as ‘Smaze’ Hovers-EMB 7

The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) 7 has said dust particles in Cebu’s air has gone beyond safe limits as “smaze,” a combination of smoke and haze, continues to hover over the central Philippine province.

The smaze has affected parts of Mindanao and the Visayas, including Metro Cebu.

William Cuñado, EMB 7 director, said the amount of small dust particles or particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers in diameter in Cebu’s air reached 85.70 micrograms per cubic meter in a test on Sunday.

The limit is 75 micrograms per cubic meter, according to the National Ambient Air Quality Guideline Values of the Philippine Clean Air Act.

Cuñado said the agency has sent letters to the region’s governors along with the latest ambient air quality monitoring data.

He said the data will guide the governors and mayors and give them a basis to procure N95 masks and protective goggles for constituents, especially those suffering from asthma and other respiratory ailments.

He said the N95 mask is available in pharmacies while the protective goggles can be acquired in hardware stores.

Cunado said those who cannot afford to buy N95 mask may use a wet handkerchief or towel.

He also advised exercise buffs to avoid jogging or exercising outdoors as the smaze persists. (PNA) FPV/EB/EDS