Baguio air quality for 2014 normal

Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY - The air quality readings in this city for 2014 was fair to good, Mayor Mauricio Domogan said last week.

The mayor said this was based on the 2014 roadside ambient air quality monitoring report submitted by the wastewater, water and ambient air management division of the city environment and parks management office bearing.

The report showed year-round readings of monitoring devices put up in various sampling locations in the city utilizing the pollution index of particulate matter.

The readings were generally good at Upper Session Road, City Hall grounds, Diplomat Heritage Park Dominican Hill, Camp John Hay, Scout Barrio, Pacdal Circle and Mines View where the air quality index value ranged from 0-54 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m3) from March to December.

Fair readings were obtained at Malcolm Square, Happy Homes Old Lucban Burnham Park, City Social Welfare Development Office grounds, Igorot Garden, UP Baguio campus, Bell Church, Veterans Park, Kabayanihan and Naguilian Road which had a range of 55-154 ug/m3.

The lone area which registered a failing mark was at the Baguio City Police Office particularly at the intersection of Abanao and Kayang St. near the overpass going to City hall where the index value reached 190 ug/m3, which is unhealthy for sensitive groups.

 The mayor urged vehicle owners in the city to ensure that their vehicles are always in good condition so as not to contribute to air pollution. 

He also submitted to the CEPMO for consideration the inputs submitted by Mario Alvarez Del Rosario, inventor of the water reactor Mario D’Hybrid technology on the effects of carbon dioxide (CO) in high altitude places like Baguio.  

Citing researches and studies, Del Rosario said the influx of tourists to high altitude areas like Baguio “may dramatically increase pollution levels in general and CO levels in particular” since “the local CO level or concentration is affected by regional characteristics: seasons; altitude and lateral variations, urbanization degree, populace and amount of vehicular traffic.”

He said that the city may consider studies showing that vehicles tuned up for lowland driving condition emit more (CO) when used for mountain driving.

“Vehicles tuned for mountain driving emit 1.8 times more CO at 2,424 meters (8,000 feet) than at 1,600 m (5,200 ft.).  Whereas, vehicles tuned at sea level driving condition emit almost four times more CO at an altitude.  CO emission is increased at altitude by driving at reduced speed along steep grades under poor driving conditions and by the cold weather conditions prevailing at altitude,” he quoted.

“CO emission increases dramatically during cold weather because more fuel is needed to start at cold temperature and some emission devices such as oxygen sensors and catalytic converter (if equipped) operate less efficiently when they are cold.”

He also warned of the danger of death while riding at the back of motor vehicles.

“Children in this case are the most vulnerable as they are the usual back riders.  Accidental poisoning from exposure to exhaust in pick-up trucks, riding under a rigid and closed canopy on the rear of the trucks and other tragedies might also happen inside fully enclosed transit vans, school buses and camper trucks,” he warned.

“Possible delay in diagnosis in these situations is fatal since initial symptoms were consistent with motion sickness and many parents or guardians would normally believe that their children were just asleep while in fact they were already unconscious.  Moving vehicles with vertical tailgates or door and opening the rear window can result to the drawing of exhaust into rearmost compartment.  Holes in the car body, floorboards or leaks around windows or doors may also allow fumes to enter passenger compartment.  Worn out improperly replaced mufflers may cause dizziness and possible death.”