Mt. Kanlaon’s eruption on June 3rd, 2024 created a haze of Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) and Particulate Matter (PM), threatening the exacerbation of asthma and pneumonia, sore throat, cough, and hypertension. AirSENCE was installed on Negros Island, Philippines, to assist the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in monitoring air quality.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) continues strengthening its air quality monitoring network. DENR Director William Cuñado describes the cruciality of air quality monitoring technologies, saying “By providing accurate and reliable data through our air quality monitoring, we could help the public – especially those who are at risk – to take action to better protect their health and guide our policymakers in coming up with measures to tackle air pollution”.
Having accurate, hyper-local air quality data is crucial for communities to know which areas to take precautions when going outside, and for how long those danger zones ensue. Especially for people with respiratory problems, knowing exactly how far from the source that increased PM levels permeate the air is crucial.
Sources:
Republic of the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources. https://denr.gov.ph/news-events/denr-air-quality-monitoring-is-a-top-priority/
SunStar Cebu: https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/hazy-skies-in-cebu-due-to-mt-kanlaon-emission
