The Davao City Health Office (CHO) urged Dabawenyos, particularly those considered vulnerable to respiratory and cardiovascular problems, to limit unnecessary outdoor exposure as transboundary haze continues to affect air quality in the city.
Dr. Jeannie Marie D. Salmasan, district health physician of the CHO, said pregnant women, senior citizens, children, especially infants, and people with pre-existing lung and heart conditions should take extra precautions while haze persists.
She advised high-risk individuals to avoid non-essential outdoor activities and stay indoors as much as possible to reduce exposure to airborne pollutants.
The haze affecting Davao City originated from forest fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra, Indonesia, with smoke carried across the region by the southwest monsoon or Habagat.
Salmasan said exposure to haze may irritate the eyes, nose and throat and trigger coughing and asthma attacks. It may also aggravate existing heart and lung conditions, particularly among vulnerable individuals.
The CHO advised residents to keep windows and doors closed when possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, particularly among children and older adults, and wear a properly fitted N95 or KN95 mask when going outdoors.
Despite the health risks, Salmasan assured the public that there is no need to panic, saying the current air quality has not reached a level that warrants extreme measures.
“Do not panic. Dili lang ta mag panic because the level of air quality, although not the air quality that we want right now, dili pa pod siya that level nga grabe gyud ka alarming na mag panic buying ta og mga masks,” she said via the City Information Office (CIO).
However, she cautioned residents against becoming complacent simply because they are not experiencing immediate symptoms.
Salmasan also reminded residents with existing illnesses to continue taking their prescribed medications and follow the health advisories while air quality remains affected.
Dabawenyos who experience respiratory symptoms or other health concerns are encouraged to seek medical evaluation at their nearest district health center or barangay health center.
Based on the monitoring of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau 11 (DENR-EMB 11) showed fair air quality for particulate matter 10 (PM10) at its Calinan monitoring station as of September 3.
However, particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) levels were classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups from August 31 to September 3.
