THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), yesterday said there was a general improvement in the country’s air quality during the first half of the year.
DENR said such feat was achieved despite the hazy conditions over the past several weeks caused by the prolonged suspension of dust, dirt, and other particles in the air due to thermal inversion.
In its report covering January to June 2023, the EMB recorded an average of 40 micrograms per normal cubic meter (ug per ncm) for particulate matter 10 (PM 10) in Metro Manila, which is slightly below the 43 ug per ncm posted during the same period in 2022.
However, the same report showed that the nationwide average amount of PM10 was at 34 ug per ncm for the first six months of 2023, which is marginally higher than the 29 ug per ncm posted in the comparable period last year.
DENR defined PM10 as the microscopic matters suspended in the air that are 10 micrometers or less, such as dust from paved and unpaved roadways. While some of these particles can be filtered by the body, these can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat.
The 24-hour acceptable threshold standard level or guideline value for PM10 is 150 ug per ncm while the annual guideline value is 60 ug per ncm.
On the other hand, PM2.5 levels in Metro Manila averaged at 20 ug per ncm in the first half of 2023, which is below the average 23 ug per ncm in the same period in 2022.
For the entire country, PM2.5 level averaged 18 ug per ncm for the same period, which is above the 16 ug per ncm posted in the first half of 2022.
PM2.5 are particles that are 2.5 micrometers or less and can enter the lungs and the bloodstream that originate from direct emissions into the atmosphere, such as forest fires or the mixing of gases from factories, industries, and motor vehicles.