ILOILO City – The air quality in Western Visayas remains “fair to good” several days after the December 9 eruption of Mount Kanlaon in Negros Island, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Environment Management Bureau (EMB) Region 6.
However, sensitive individuals, particularly those with heart or respiratory conditions, may still experience health effects, it warned.
Based on air quality monitoring conducted as of Thursday, December 12, air quality levels in Kanlaon volcano’s sampling sites, nearby evacuation centers, and areas beyond Negros Island are classified as either “fair” or “good”.
In particular, the Air Quality Index (AQI) at the Ara-al Station in La Carlota City improved from “unhealthy” to “fair” as of December 12, while the La Castellana Station maintained its “good” AQI readings.
Air quality in evacuation centers in La Castellana, Bago City, and La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, ranged from “fair” to “good”.
The Bago City evacuation center, which registered a very unhealthy AQI on December 11, showed significant improvement to “fair” by the following day.
In Iloilo, monitoring stations in the municipalities of Oton and Pavia consistently reported “good” air quality based on December 12 readings.
Public Health and Safety
Although air quality in the region remains acceptable, the Department of Health (DOH) also issued guidelines for the public to mitigate health risks associated with volcanic ash:
* Stay indoors and keep windows and doors closed.
* Wear masks or cover your nose and mouth with a damp cloth when outdoors.
* Avoid outdoor activities, especially for those with chronic respiratory conditions.
* Minimize vehicle use and postpone non-essential travel.
Health Risks
The DOH highlighted potential health effects of volcanic ash exposure, including nasal and throat irritation accompanied by coughing.
There may also be airway irritation, which may worsen chronic respiratory conditions.
With prolonged expose, DOH said some people may have increased risk of lung disease.
Some may experience skin irritation and secondary infections from scratching.
The Health department also warned of increased chlorine requirements in water sources, potentially leading to unsafe drinking water and higher acute gastroenteritis cases.
Precautionary Measures
To ensure safety, the public is advised to:
* Keep children indoors and avoid strenuous activities.
* Use well-fitted masks and protective eyewear.
* Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before consumption.
* Ensure drinking water is safe and adequately disinfected.
* Adhere to health advisories from credible sources and seek medical attention when necessary.
The DENR-EMB and DOH emphasize the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to these precautions to safeguard public health./PN
