Since 2003, the Air Quality Dynamics program of the Manila Observatory has been monitoring fine particulate matter (PM2.5) during New Year’s Eve over multiple sites in Metro Manila.
PM2.5 refers to particles with diameters of 2.5 microns or smaller. The particles, which can carry toxic gases, are small enough to “burrow deep into the respiratory system” and may have negative impacts on health.
After monitoring PM2.5 around Metro Manila for more than a decade, observations indicate no significant improvement in the New Year air quality, in addition to the normal state of poor air quality over the city.
Read the article published in the Inquirer : http://opinion.inquirer.net/69835/worst-air-pollution-episode