Air pollution in Metro Manila worsening

Do you know that air pollution in Metro Manila has now reached an average of 163-200 micrograms per normal cubic meters? This is about 48% above normal standard of around 90 micrograms per normal cubic meters.


What does this mean? Well, very simple--the air you breathe in Metro Manila contains hazardous substances that will either cause you sickness or probably will make your skin dull. Carbon monoxide and toxic fumes from jeepneys and motor vehicles account to much of the increase in air toxicity levels in the metro.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources through Secretary Ramon Paje issued administrative order 2010-0023 specifically to address this issue of worsening air pollution. The DENR will partner up with the Land Transportation Office to minimalize the number of motor vehicles spewing these toxic fumes in the streets. 


Yet, I hope that the DENR will expand its coverage to include factories here in Makati which pollute our air every single afternoon. I am talking about this company at the corner of Pasong Tamo and this road which spews thick, black smoke every single afternoon. I will be getting some pictures and send it to the DENR so that they will be able to file charges against owners of this factory.


Manila's air is just a tad worse lower than New Delhi, Shanghai and Mexico City. How then will we be able to attract more foreigners into our lovely city if the air quality is so bad, breathing will kill you?