YANGON: Yangon’s air quality has remained at the red level for four consecutive days, according to Environment, Health, and Safety Myanmar (EHS Myanmar), a non-profit organisation.
EHS Myanmar reported that as of 8:30 a.m. on January 19, Yangon’s Air Quality Index (AQI) continued to remain at the red (Unhealthy) level. The city has ranked 10th globally for air pollution, with a US AQI of 172 and a PM2.5 concentration of 85 µg/m³.
EHS Myanmar warned that breathing polluted air at this level can affect the heart and lungs and poses serious health risks, particularly for people with underlying health conditions, children, and the elderly.
The organisation assessed that the worsening air quality may be due to increased vehicle usage on work and school days, combined with falling temperatures.
As a result, EHS Myanmar advised people going outdoors to wear masks that can protect against PM2.5 particles.
Yangon’s air quality has stayed at the red level for four straight days. On January 18 at 8:30 a.m., the city’s AQI was also at the red (Unhealthy) level, ranking 14th worldwide for air pollution. Similarly, measurements taken at 8:30 a.m. on January 17 showed Yangon’s AQI remained at the red level.
On January 16, Yangon’s air quality index was likewise recorded at the red level, with the city ranking 21st globally for air pollution. - Eleven Media/ANN
