Study shows better air quality in PH due to fewer cars amid quarantine

Since the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine in the entire Luzon, there is an approximately 80 percent decrease in cars on the road. This results in less pollution and clearer skies. As the people would like to say it, “Mother Nature is healing herself.”

The improvement of air quality amid lockdown is a result of less emission from cars and planes, less agricultural burning, and fewer activities at industrial plants. It can be clearly seen from photos posted by the netizens how dramatic the change in air pollution the lockdown has presented.

Photo by: Johair Addang

Photo by: Jamie Sanchez

In a news release, the Environmental Pollution Studies Laboratory of IESM-CS UP Diliman said that Airtoday.ph stations recorded a “180 percent decrease in PM2.5 since the enhanced community quarantine was imposed in Metro Manila on March 16, 2020.” PM or Particulate Matter is the total particles present in an air that causes negative effects on health and causes the skies to be less visible. These particles may include dust, liquid droplets, and smoke.

A decrease of 80 percent to 180 percent in PM2.5 at the Lung Center of the Philippines is recorded by Airtoday.ph. Meanwhile, a decrease of 70 percent to 90 percent in PM2.5 is also recorded along EDSA-Munoz which can be seen from the graphs below.

>>> Related: Coronavirus Tips: How to safely travel during and after COVID-19 outbreak

POLLUTION STUDIES LABORATORY OF IESM-CS-UP DILIMAN / AIRTODAY.PH

POLLUTION STUDIES LABORATORY OF IESM-CS-UP DILIMAN / AIRTODAY.PH

With the pleasing results of less pollution, DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda said, “Yung air quality natin, puwede pala natin ma-improve kung kahit papaano, once or twice a year e gawin natin na itigil na muna natin ‘yung paggalaw ng mga sasakyan.”

Metro Manila is now a sight to behold. It is said that the best spot to witness this special scene is in Antipolo where you can have an overlooking view of Metro Manila. Unfortunately, after the lockdown is lifted and things are back up and running, pollutions will continue to rise. We hope that the better air quality that we witnessed amid the COVID-19 situation gives us a reason to take care of our environment.

Here at Philkoste.com, we value your interest in new car releases and the latest news in the auto industry. You can visit our website to find out more.