Mask Up: Quezon City Sounds Alarm on “Very Unhealthy” Air Quality

(SPOT.ph) It's not just your imagination—smog has really blanketed parts of Quezon City today, April 28, so much so that the Quezon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (QCDRRMO) is now urging residents to mask up. Air quality in some parts of the city has hit "unhealthy" to "very unhealthy" levels, according to the latest Air Quality Index (AQI) readings.

Those with respiratory conditions like asthma are also advised to stay indoors as much as possible until air quality improves in the city.

“Kaya kung mayroong respiratory illness tulad ng hika, iwasan munang lumabas ng bahay. Kung hindi maiiwasan at kinakailangang umalis, magsuot ng mask,” Quezon City Government wrote in a post.

Also read: Vog, Smog, Haze, and Fog: What's the Difference?

Air quality in Quezon City

The latest air quality map shows that five locations in Quezon City—Susano Road, Payatas Controlled Disposal Facility, Maligaya Elementary School, Lagro High School and Kaligayahan Elementary School—are already at "very unhealthy" levels.

Meanwhile, 11 other locations, including the P. Dela Cruz Street, Novaliches Wet and Dry Market, Jose Rizal High School, FEU Diliman, Tandang Sora Barangay Hall, Quirino Highway corner Mindanao Avenue, and Cubao Arayat Market, are tagged as "unhealthy for sensitive groups." 

Earlier this morning, a second fire alarm hit a warehouse in Doña Carmen Subdivision, Barangay Commonwealth. Authorities have not confirmed the cause of the smog but some point to the fire as a possible factor.

Other users have also raised the possibility of smoke drifting in from the burning of landfill in nearby Montalban, Rizal.

Those experiencing breathing difficulties, asthma attacks, or other health concerns are advised to reach out to the Quezon City Health Department (QCHD) at (02) 8929-8038. Better to be safe (and masked) than sorry.

Also read: Blocked Fire Hydrant Sat Across the Street as Homes Burned in Quezon City