Because Makati is the most prosperous city in metropolitan Manila, wealthy people had more disposable money for fireworks in the days leading to New Year.
That is why the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has flagged it as the top in air pollution level that season with air pollution guideline values of PM10.
This just confirms how dangerous pollution levels were in the metropolis as reported previously by Swiss air quality research firm IQAir, when it said that air quality in Manila reached an “unhealthy” level before and during New Year's Day with an air quality index at 2 p.m. of January 1 at 166 when good air quality ranges from 0 to 50.
IQAir said common man-made sources of PM2.5 are smoke from fireworks, motor combustion, power plant combustion, stoves, fireplaces, home wood burning, and smoking.
The primary pollutant identified was PM2.5, a particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 microns or smaller — or about 30 times thinner than a human hair, the Inquirer cited the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
“Of all air pollution measures, PM2.5 pollution poses the greatest health threat. Due to its small size, PM2.5 can remain suspended in the air for long periods of time and can be absorbed deep into the bloodstream upon inhalation,” IQAir noted.
The DENR Environmental Management Bureau Air Quality Section on Thursday said their monitoring detected elevated pollutant levels in the air just hours after midnight on Wednesday, January 1.
“So during New Year, or at the peak, we observed from midnight to 2 a.m. that the levels rose up to 150 percent higher than our guideline values for PM10, reaching [an air quality index of] 390,” DENR-EMB AQMS Chief Jundy Del Soccoro said in a radio interview.
"Based on our data, we observed that the areas in Makati City are the ones that saw the highest increase," he added.
What is particulate matter? The monitored pollutants, PM10 and PM2.5, are particulate matter measuring 10 and 2.5 micrometers, respectively — far smaller than the 50 to 70 micrometers typical of human hair, she explained in that interview.
These fine particles, resembling dust and aerosols, can be inhaled and pose significant health risks. They may also contaminate water and soil.
According to IQAir, PM10 pollutants can penetrate the lungs when inhaled, while PM2.5, due to its smaller size, may be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Both types of particles are commonly found in smoke, dust, salts, acids and metals — most of which are produced by lighting up firecrackers.
Fireworks are generally composed of gunpowder, which may contain sulfur, charcoal, potassium nitrate and other chemicals for their color.
Hazardous, very unhealthy. With an AQI of 390 for PM10, the air is classified as “hazardous,” signaling a high risk of irritation and adverse health effects.
For PM2.5, Soccoro said pollution levels reached 186, which is considered “very unhealthy.”
“It's not just dirty, the air is also toxic because the substances that give color to firecrackers contain toxic substances. These are heavy metals... which mix with the fine particles,” the Philippine Star quoted Socorro.
Soccoro suggested that Makati's severe air pollution could also be attributed to pollutants from neighboring cities carried by the winds.
IQAir recorded similar pollution levels in Metro Manila cities, with Manila even being the most polluted around 11 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
Weather conditions
Will the pollutants stay?
Soccoro explained that the pollutants’ dispersion will depend on weather conditions. If it rains, the polluted air is much easier to flush out, he added.
Since the Philippines welcomed the New Year with light showers in various areas due to three weather systems, the DENR-EMB AQMS chief said pollution levels slightly eased by around 3 a.m.
He also said that the pollutants are likely to settle on the ground and in water, threatening plants and animals in the ecosystem, especially when some pollutants remain in the atmosphere for extended periods.
“[The pollutants] may disperse, but if not, and if they move slowly, they may stay. … It also depends on the type of pollutant present. Some are persistent and remain. With firecrackers, the substances it is composed of are really different,” Soccoro added.
The public is advised to wear face masks and avoid outdoor activities, especially those with preexisting conditions, as well as sensitive groups such as children, the elderly and pregnant individuals.
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