TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The government on Thursday reported preliminary results for this year’s air quality monitoring, revealing a decline in pollutant concentrations over the past five years.

Air Quality Index readings of 100 or lower, indicating good to moderate quality, were recorded 94% of the time. Days with AQI readings above 100, triggering orange alerts or higher, continued to decrease, per CNA.

As of November, the national annual average concentration of PM2.5 had dropped by 1.2 micrograms per cubic meter compared to last year. PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less.

Prolonged exposure to PM2.5 can lead to allergies, asthma, and increased risks of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.

The improvements are credited to air pollution control strategies by central and local governments. Favorable weather conditions in the second half of the year, including increased rainfall and fewer weak wind days, aided particle dispersion.

The environment ministry announced plans to expand the use of electric buses and strengthen controls on hazardous air pollutants. Air Quality Standards was amended Sept. 30, enforcing stricter standards for nine pollutant indicators.

Next year, air quality alerts are expected to increase, reflecting more rigorous standards rather than worsening conditions, the ministry said. Forecasts for outlying islands upgraded to three-day predictions.