MAKATI CITY: Makati City experienced a significant decline in air quality during New Year's Eve, reaching "very unhealthy" levels due to the extensive use of firecrackers and fireworks, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
According to Philippines News Agency, Jundy del Socorro, the chief of the Air Quality Management Section of the DENR's Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), stated in an interview that air pollution in the National Capital Region (NCR) escalated alarmingly during the celebrations. "Noong New Year o kasagsagan, mula 12 midnight hanggang alas 2 ng madaling araw, tumaas siya hanggang 160 percent na mas mataas sa ating guideline values (During the New Year or the peak [of the celebration] from 12 midnight to 2 a.m., it was 160 percent higher than our guideline values)," del Socorro explained.
The DENR-EMB is responsible for monitoring fine particulate matter such as PM10 and PM2.5. While the guideline for PM10 is set at 150 micrograms per cubic meter, Makati recorded levels as high as 390. PM2.5 levels, which are more concerning due to their smaller size, surged to 186 micrograms, significantly exceeding the guideline of 35.
Del Socorro attributed the heightened pollution levels to the toxic heavy metal salts used in fireworks, which not only degrade air quality but also pose serious health risks, particularly to children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions. "Hindi lang siya madumi, toxic din ho yung hangin na yan dahil yung nagbibigay ng kulay sa mga firecrackers ay may toxic substances (The air is not just polluted but also toxic because the colors in fireworks contain harmful substances)," he said.
Beyond human health concerns, pollution has detrimental effects on the environment, with fine particles potentially harming soil, water, ecosystems, and wildlife. The persistence of pollution depends on weather conditions, with cooler temperatures trapping pollutants closer to the ground, while rain can help wash them away. Typically, air quality returns to normal within two to three hours after peak pollution levels are reached.