SAN VICENTE, Palawan — Metro Cebu has been blanketed with light haze over the past few days, prompting weather experts and environmental authorities to investigate what causes the atmospheric phenomenon.
While air quality remains safe, officials are advising people with vulnerable conditions to take precautions.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported that the haze first appeared on Wednesday, Nov. 13, and has persisted since then.
Alfredo Quiblat, head of Pagasa Visayas, confirmed the occurrence of the haze, which, if it gets worse, could disrupt airport operations, particularly during takeoff and landing procedures.
“We share this information to ensure airport safety, especially for takeoff and landing procedures,” he said in Cebuano.
Quiblat warned that reduced visibility could compromise the pilots, especially if visibility drops below 5,000 meters, prompting authorities to consider restricting aircraft operations.
The haze currently limits visibility to 7,000 kilometers which is below the normal range of 10,000 kilometers.
Quiblat suggested that the haze may have been a result of dust particles, smoke and volcanic sulfur dioxide emissions that came from Mount Kanlaon in Negros Island which may have been brought here by the northwest winds.
While Pagasa monitors weather patterns, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is conducting tests to pinpoint the exact source of the haze.
EMB officials have advised vulnerable groups, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions, to wear face masks as a precaution.
The EMB in Central Visayas recorded a noticeable rise in particulate matter levels, increasing from 32 micrograms per normal cubic meter (µg/Ncm) on Tuesday to 65 µg/Ncm on Thursday.
Although this spike remains below the safety threshold of 150 µg/Ncm, it could pose risks to sensitive individuals, such as those with respiratory conditions, children and the elderly.
EMB Central Visayas Director Maria Victoria Abrera explained that the haze was likely caused by a meteorological phenomenon known as temperature inversion. During an inversion, a layer of warm air traps cooler air at the surface, preventing the usual upward dispersal of pollutants.
Recent weather patterns, including several typhoons, may have influenced atmospheric conditions and contributed to this inversion.
EMB has classified the current air quality under the yellow code, indicating fair conditions.
Although the general population is not at significant risk, Abrera advised sensitive groups to limit outdoor activities or consider wearing face masks for added protection.
EMB continues to monitor air quality using its network of stations that measure pollutants such as particulate matter (PM10), PM2.5, carbon monoxide, and sulfur oxides. PM10 consists of tiny particles that can enter the respiratory system, posing health risks, particularly with prolonged exposure.
Still, the EMB advises those with respiratory or cardiovascular issues to exercise caution. No special measures are needed for the general public as long as pollutant levels remain below 100 µg/Ncm.
However, if levels rise, individuals in sensitive health categories should minimize outdoor exposure.
