Air quality in Bacolod City has been recorded as good, monitoring status showed yesterday.

The air quality index (AQI) level is based on the monitoring data as of 8:00 a.m. from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Environmental Management Bureau – Negros Island Region (DENR-EMB NIR).

“Air quality levels across all stations currently maintain good to fair AQI levels,” the report said.

Like Bacolod, Canlaon City in Negros Oriental also reported “good” air quality, while La Castellana and La Carlota City stations in Negros Occidental logged “fair” levels.

“The DENR-EMB is actively tracking air quality across the Negros Island Region following reports of reduced visibility in Metro Cebu and Manila,” it said.

Based on the air quality health guide, “good” means Particulate Matter 10 (PM10) level ranging from zero to 50, and “fair” from 51 to 100.

For PM 10, Bacolod has a recent AQI of 36, while for PM 2.5, at 45, both without precautionary statements.

PM refers to tiny solid or liquid particles in the air that can be harmful when inhaled, posing serious health risks to people.

PM10 are particles 10 micrometers or smaller, such as dust, smoke and soot, that can reach the lungs.

PM2.5, or ultrafine particles 2.5 micrometers or smaller, are more dangerous because they can penetrate deeper into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream.

In Bacolod, the DENR-EMB NIR continuous ambient air monitoring station is located in Barangay Alijis, equipped with a state-of-the-art MET One BAM-1020 continuous PM monitor.

In a public safety reminder, it advised the public to limit outdoor activities if not necessary, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and wear a face mask when going outside.

Also, windows should be kept closed if the air outside is dusty or smoky, and the health of children and elderly family members should be monitored, it added. (PNA)