Manila’s air quality reached an “unhealthy” level on New Year’s Day, research data showed.
Swiss research firm IQAir said the air quality index in Manila was at 167, with particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) being the main pollutant.
This level is 15.7 times above the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, posing serious health risks as the particles can penetrate the bloodstream.
“PM2.5 particles are floating particulate matter in the air measuring 2.5 micrometers in diameter or less. PM2.5 is so small it can be absorbed into the bloodstream upon inhalation. For this reason, it is typically the pollutant posing the greatest health threat,” IQAir explained.
Sources of such pollutants include combustion from vehicles, power plants, and industrial processes.
Manila ranked 16th globally in air pollution out of 124 cities based on IQAirs live ranking as of 5:01 p.m. on January 1, 2025. Dhaka in Bangladesh topped the list during this time followed by Kabul, Afghanistan; Delhi, India; Lahore, Pakistan; and Kolkata, India.
The Top 5 least polluted cities on New Year’s Day were Detroit, Michigan in the United States; Toronto, Canada; Melbourne, Australia; Kuching, Malaysia; and Stockholm, Sweden.
Authorities advised the public to avoid outdoor activities, keep windows closed, wear masks, and use air purifiers.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) highlighted increased health risks, especially for people with conditions like asthma, and noted that cooler weather may hinder pollutant dispersion.
“These fine particles can reach or damage our bloodstream and our respiratory system. Fireworks, meanwhile, have toxic substances called metal salts that can cause cancer or carcinogen toxic materials.” Engr. Jundy del Socorro, chief of DENR-EMB’s air quality management office.
Fireworks were also identified as a source of toxic substances linked to cancer.
