“A report of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in 2004
revealed that certain places in the country recorded very high levels of deadly
particles, with some even exceeding the National Air Quality (NAAQ) guideline
values in the Philippine Clean Air Act.”
“Notable among the deadly particles observed
were particulate matters (PM10 and PM2.5), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen
dioxide (NO2), nitrogen monoxide (NO), carbon monoxide, and others.”
“Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are
emitted primarily by motor vehicles as a result of combustion of fossil fuel. Carbon
monoxide is usually produced when there is an incomplete combustion of fuels
and biomass, usually through gas cooking stoves, water heaters, charcoal
grills, wood stoves, motor vehicles, power tools with internal combustion
engines, and even smoking.”
“...highest annual mean concentration of TSP
was detected at the intersection of EDSA and Congressional Avenue (Quezon City)
at 275 microgram per normal cubic meter against the guideline value of 90
microgram per normal cubic meter (μg/Nm3).”
“Outside Metro Manila, the annual mean TSP
guideline values exceeded in 18 out of the 24 monitoring stations, with Bocaue,
Bulacan registering the highest TSP mean value of 859 μg/Nm3, exceeding the
NAAQ guideline value almost ten times. The figure is attributed to the presence
of rice mills near the sampling site. Other areas with more than twice the
guideline value for TSP are Baguio City, Alaminos City, San Fernando City in La
Union, Calapan City, Iloilo City, and Zamboanga City.”
“DENR clarified, however, that the indicated
levels represent the pollution level only at the vicinity where monitoring
stations are situated and do not represent the entire city or province where
the stations are located.”
“With regard to very fine particulates such
as PM22, monitoring data of the Department of Science and Technology’s
Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) showed that the annual mean
of three monitoring stations went beyond the guideline value of the Unites
States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). Major sources of PM22 in Metro
Manila are fuel burning and soil, according to PNRI.”
“In a similar study undertaken by the Manila
Observatory, dangerous PM2.5 level was frequently observed to exceed USEPA
standards. The study noted that more than half (or 56 percent) of daily PM2.5
levels along major roads such as EDSA surpassed the acceptable standard.”
The article on Inquirer (as of June 15, 2011) is as follows:
The air pollution level in Metro Manila has decreased since
last year amid government’s continuing efforts to reduce the number of vehicles
on the road and a crackdown on smoke belchers.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) revealed encouraging figures
Wednesday even as the metropolis has yet to attain the prescribed maximum level
of air pollutants, pegged at 90 ug/Ncm (unit of suspended particles).
“We have hardly achieved the prescribed guidance values but
levels are going down,” DENR-EMB Assistant Director Gilbert Gonzales said.
On the second day of a Clean Air Act forum at the DENR on
Wednesday, Gonzales said the amount of total suspended particulates (TSP) in
Metro Manila’s air was measured at 121 ug/Ncm last April, from 138 ug/Ncm in
July of last year.
Figures have been alternately rising and dipping since last
year, but levels in the first four months showed some improvement, with
February’s 120 ug/Ncm the lowest recorded so far in 2011.
The record low since the second half of last year was
September, when 109 ug/Ncm was recorded in the air. The high-traffic holiday
month of December had the dirtiest air, with some 152 ug/Ncm.
Gonzales said the figures showed a “significant improvement”
from last year.
“It is everybody’s duty to keep our air clean. Pollution
control can only be effective when all sectors of society work together,” he
added.
Under the 12-year-old Clean Air Act, the government
undertook antipollution measures, including the gradual switch to cleaner fuel,
a renewed antismoke belching campaign and vehicle volume reduction schemes for
public and private vehicles.
Gonzales said the government is acquiring 10 more vehicle
emission testing machines for distribution to transport agencies and local
government units to boost antismoke belching operations.
Ma. Cristina Velasco, assistant general manager for planning
at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, said Metro Manila’s air
quality remains a constant health threat to its roughly 11.6 million residents.
It’s good that, according to the government, there is
improvement. But still, it’s not enough. More effort is needed to really lessen
air pollution to a tolerable level, if not completely eliminate it. Well, at
least there is effort! Else, we would not only worry about pimples but our
health as well! How about you? What are your views on the matter?
http://www.scribd.com/doc/39473401/Philippines
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/15226/air-pollution-level-down-in-metro-manila
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/15226/air-pollution-level-down-in-metro-manila
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ReplyDeleteThis is indeed very alarming. The air that we breathe is seriously not anymore safe. People should be aware of this so that they will be more sensitive and responsible with their actions. Especially because our health is much affected by air pollution. I think most of the diseases that people experience are merely caused by this. The improvement indicates that it is never too late to make a change and eliminate this problem.
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