Estimating the gravity of particulate pollution due to transport in Metro Manila

Abstract

One of the most critical threats to the air quality of Metro Manila is particulate pollution emitted by mobile and stationary sources in the city. Constant inhalation of particulate matter inevitably impairs the lung function of the most vulnerable in our population, such as children and old people, giving rise to cardio-pulmonary diseases and heightened morbidity rates. For the first time in the country, ambient air measurements were conducted at various points in the metropolis on a weekly basis for an entire year. The tabulated data shows the geometric mean values of the primary pollutant called PM₁₀, i.e. particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters of 10 μm or less. Dangerously high levels are those that register values equal to or greater than the 24-hour health threshold of 150 μg/m³.