Metro Cebu air quality remains unhealthy as haze persists

Air quality in Metro Cebu remained at an “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” level Tuesday, Sept. 8, as haze continued to affect the region.

The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) 7 recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 130 at 11 a.m., slightly improving from 135 at 7 a.m. Both readings were classified as “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.”

The latest readings show a continued improvement from Monday, when Metro Cebu’s AQI reached 158 at 7 a.m., placing it in the “Very Unhealthy” category, before dropping to 143 by 4 p.m.

The haze has been linked to smoke from ongoing forest fires in Indonesia, with changing wind conditions affecting the concentration of fine particulate matter reaching parts of the Visayas.

Conditions varied across EMB 7 monitoring stations on Tuesday.

In Barangay Cabitoonan, Toledo City, the AQI dropped from 63 at 7 a.m. to 56 at 11 a.m. Both readings were classified as “Fair,” indicating significantly better air quality than in Metro Cebu.

EMB 7 advised the public to take extra precautions while unhealthy conditions persist, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, older adults, pregnant individuals and people with heart or lung conditions, including asthma.

Residents are encouraged to limit prolonged outdoor exposure when air quality levels are elevated and use properly fitted N95 or KN95 masks when going outside.

The bureau continues to monitor air quality levels across Cebu as readings fluctuate throughout the day.

Authorities are urging residents to stay updated on official air quality advisories and take appropriate precautions, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to the effects of polluted air.