By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

After it was revealed the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) did not issue a haze alert for the Western Visayas, the Bacolod City Health Office (CHO) has since issued a health advisory as of yesterday.
Bacolod CHO head, Dr. Carmella Gensoli, said they have disseminated health information to various barangays, schools, and other public establishments on how to avoid being exposed to the dangers a haze poses.
According to information released by the health official, haze is described as a fine dust, smoke, or light vapor causes a lack of transparency in the air and has a cloud like appearance.
Gensoli said it is still safe to carry on with outdoor activities but advised the public to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
She also advised individuals with existing chronic heart and lung conditions to wear N95-type of masks, which filter the most common particulates.
She added, those with the said conditions must keep their medications on hand and readily available.
Individuals experiencing difficulty breathing, coughing, chest pains, increased tearing of the eyes, and nose or throat irritation are advised to seek immediate medical attention./DGB, WDJ