TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Poor air quality resulting in hazy skies over north Taiwan on Friday (Nov. 15) was caused by a shift in wind patterns that brought pollutants from the south, the New Taipei City Environmental Protection Department explained Friday (Nov. 15).
The department's response followed online discussions about the poor air quality in Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan on Thursday and Friday. This sparked speculation among netizens that a factory fire or accident might have occurred, per CNA.
The Ministry of Environment put out an orange air quality alert for northern, central, and southern Taiwan on Friday, warning the air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups. In certain areas, conditions may worsen to a red alert level, indicating unhealthy air quality for the general public, according to CNA.
Tropical storm Usagi and its outer circulation have weakened the wind, trapping pollutants. As a result, pollution levels increased and ozone levels are expected to rise Friday afternoon due to sunlight reacting with pollutants.
Compounding the issue, weak winds, high humidity, and dense fog in western Taiwan from Thursday night to Friday morning have further trapped PM2.5, hindering their dispersal. Particulate matter (PM) is a type of air pollutant consisting of tiny particles suspended in the air, similar to dust, according to Green Peace.
PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. Prolonged exposure to PM2.5 can lead to severe allergies, asthma, and increased risks of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.
In 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified outdoor air pollution as a Group 1 carcinogen, confirming its link to cancer. A 2017 WHO report revealed that over 90% of the world's children are exposed to harmful levels of air pollution daily, posing significant health risks.
To combat the poor air quality, Taichung has implemented measures targeting pollution from stationary sources, mobile sources, and fugitive sources. Taoyuan activated its emergency response plan on Thursday evening.
The public is recommended to stay indoors, keep windows and doors closed, and wear a mask outdoors. Individuals with heart, respiratory, or cardiovascular conditions, as well as children and the elderly, should limit outdoor exposure.
