Smog from Taal? No it’s caused by ‘heavy traffic emissions’– Phivolcs, DENR

So what's the culprit, then?

It's the heavy traffic during rush hour.

Phivolcs clarified to reporters that the vog (volcanic smog) it detected from Taal Volcano is drifting west-southwest and, hence, is not going toward Metro Manila.

“The smog [in Metro Manila] is not related to [the] Taal Volcano. Instead, the vog was over areas on the western side of Taal Volcano,” Phivolcs said.

Meanwhile, in an interview with INQUIRER.net, the DENR also said that based on the direction of air, the smog being experienced in parts of Metro Manila is not because of the Taal Volcano.

“Hindi po, kung ibabase natin sa galaw ng hangin, hindi po (No, if we base it on the movement of the wind, no),” a DENR representative who refused to be named said when asked if Taal Volcano is causing the smog in Metro Manila.

Unhealthy air quality in parts of Metro Manila

Despite this, the air quality monitoring data from the DENR indicates that certain areas within Metro Manila are encountering poor air quality, particularly in Parañaque, Pateros, and Makati.

“It may be inferred that the smog may be primarily attributed to emissions from heavy vehicular traffic, especially during rush hour. Air quality varies in time and places and can change anytime depending on pollution sources and meteorological factors,” the DENR said.

Air quality in Pateros and Makati is currently classified as “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” prompting DENR to warn people with respiratory diseases to limit going outdoors.

Parañaque, on the other hand, has “acutely unhealthy air quality,” and residents were warned to limit outdoor activities, while those with heart or respiratory diseases should stay indoors as much as possible.

RELATED STORY: LIST: Class suspensions on September 22 due to Taal volcanic smog

KGA