Summary
Highlights
Aside from the garbage, parts of Metro Manila, including Manila (P. Burgos, Jones Bridge, and Divisoria) and areas in Mandaluyong and San Juan, were enveloped in smog, a mixture of smoke and fog. Even in the afternoon, the smog was still visible.
Following the New Year festivities, piles of garbage were seen on the streets of Metro Manila. In Taft Avenue, Pasay City, city hall personnel were immediately deployed for cleanup. Similar situations were observed in Pasig and Manila, where huge amounts of trash, including coconut husks, were collected by city hall trucks and staff using brooms and tractors.
According to the Swiss research firm IQ Air, the air quality in Manila reached an unhealthy level, with the air quality index being more than 10 times higher than the World Health Organization's standard. Manila was also listed as the 8th most polluted city among over 100 on their list. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) uses air quality monitoring equipment to measure pollutants like fine dust particles.
Experts warn that poor air quality can be detrimental to human health. Fine particles can enter the bloodstream and respiratory system. In cases involving fireworks, toxic substances can cause cancer. This is particularly dangerous for individuals with comorbidities like asthma and cancer, who are advised to stay indoors or wear face masks.