How to Protect Yourself from Cebu Haze

Yes, the air in Metro Cebu is already considered unhealthy for sensitive groups according to Environmental Management Bureau (EMB-7). Cebu Daily News confirmed that there is haze in Cebu, as there are ‘small dust particles exceeding the allowable limits’ present in the air.

ABOUT HAZE, SMAZE, AND NEWS BITES

What is haze? According to Wikipedia, it is an atmospheric phenomenon where dust, smoke and other dry particles obscure the clarity of the sky.

What is smaze? It’s basically haze plus smoke or air pollution in the metro.

What caused Cebu haze? According to Cebu Daily News, Mactan weather bureau chief Alfredo Quiblat and atmospheric physicist Gerry Bagtasa believed that the haze is from the ongoing forest fires in Indonesia. This has to be verified in the coming weeks after getting all the results of the tests conducted.

Is this haze just in Metro Cebu? No, it’s not exclusive to Cebu. PAG-ASA also confirmed that haze is present in Davao, Cagayan and Palawan.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM HAZE

Those who are with asthma and other respiratory diseases, you are encouraged to stay indoors as much as possible. Everyone in Metro Cebu is also discouraged to continue doing prolong outdoor activities without following these steps to protect themselves from the Cebu haze.

Here are 5 ways to protect yourself from haze or smaze:

1. Buy an N95 dust mask respirator.

To protect yourself from these haze pollutants, you need to purchase an N95 dust mask respirator from leading hardware around the metro. It costs around P700+ according to online websites.

2. If you can’t afford to get one, wet a hanky or towel.

If you’re on a tight budget, what you can do to avoid the haze pollutants, wet a hanky or towel and make sure to cover your nose and mouth while in outdoors. Make sure to keep it wet by changing regularly to avoid dust particles from getting into your lungs and bloodstreams. 

3. Wear eye goggles or any eye protection.

Have an eye protection to avoid direct eye contact to these dust particles. It can cause mild to severe eye irritation and other complications.

4. Avoid outdoor activities.

Stay indoors most of the times. Avoid unnecessary travels and when taking public transport, make sure to cover your nose and mouth, while wearing eye protection like sunglasses. Don’t jog outdoors.

5. Pray for rain.

Rain will help in cleaning the air in Metro Cebu. Air pollution is getting serious news to everyone.

Make sure to share this article to your friends to keep them aware of what’s happening! We need more information how to keep ourselves safe and avoid these unnecessary effects of the ongoing Cebu haze.