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DOH proves readiness vs haze health hazards

Amidst the alarming confirmation of the dispersion of haze on provinces of Visayas and
Mindanao, the Department of Health has confirmed to have undertaken measures of
prevention and alleviation against the probable health risks it may cause, during the sidelines of
a press conference in Manila.

The Environment Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Natural Resources (DENR)
in Central Visayas have already verified the presence of haze in Bohol and other parts of the
region and other neighboring areas, detailing the forest fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan,
Indonesia being the most probable cause.

The DENR-EMB Central Visayas warned that such natural hazard poses “high levels of air
pollution” on the southern regions of the Philippines.

“The haze is brought here by the habagat (southwest monsoon), and the small children and the
elderly are always the vulnerable sectors easily affected, especially those with lung diseases,”
Eric Domingo, DOH Undersecretary said, in a statement.

In response to this, preposition of medical supplies intended for distribution have been
conducted by the department, as confirmed by the DOH Undersecretary.

“We’re already preparing supplies including the N-95 masks, which might be needed. They’re
still monitoring the air quality if it is beyond acceptable levels and already in the hazardous
levels,” Domingo stated.

The DENR-EMB attested results from the real-time air quality analysis and derived Particulate
Matter 2.5 to have shown thata reading of “56 micrograms per normal cubic meter” as of 8 a.m.
on Wednesday, September 18, 2019, deviating by 6 units from the safe guideline value.

The advisory revealed that Particulate Matter 2.5, being only 3% of the total diameter of human
hair, tend to stay longer dispersed in the air, which are said to "increase the chances of humans
and animals inhaling them into the bodies and might bypass the nose and throat and penetrate
deep into the lung".

However, Domingo assured that the findings of the evaluation of regional offices regarding the
current air quality of the affected areas confirmed results of the haze having not reached
"dangerous levels".

Tagbilaran City Health Officer, Dr. Jeia Pondoc, also expressed uncertainty as to the haze being a
contributing factor to the illnesses currently experienced by a number of residents, however,
she said it was nonetheless essential to take necessary precautions.

The DOH also granted consistency in presenting cautionary information to the general public,
mainly advising the public to limit outdoor exposure, wear face masks and eye goggles
whenever necessary and to consult a doctor should onset of breathing difficulties occur.

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