Monsoon worsens smog in Metro

MANILA, Philippines - State weather forecasters said yesterday the northeast monsoon and the lack of wind aggravated the air pollution from firecrackers that enveloped Metro Manila after the New Year’s Eve revelry.

“Because of the cool weather, the wind is being trapped close to the ground,” Nikos Peñaranda, weather forecaster at the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), told ABS-CBN News Channel.

PAGASA said the smog was expected to dissipate in the next 24 hours. 

The early New Year’s Day smog in the metropolis caused the diversion of 12 international and domestic flights to the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Pampanga.

Health Secretary Francisco Ona said the smog or smoky fog experienced by Metro Manila residents was worse than in previous years.

Smog can trigger difficulty in breathing, teary eyes, dry respiratory passage, runny nose, chronic bronchitis, and severe asthma attack.

Health Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag said constant exposure to smog or air pollution can eventually cause lung cancer, thus the need for people to take the necessary precautionary measures.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje said he is planning to suggest a total ban on the public use of firecrackers by next year.