Air quality in Manila reached an “unhealthy” level on New Year’s Day, with the air quality index (AQI) hitting 167, according to Swiss research firm IQAir. The main pollutant was Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5), a tiny airborne particle known to pose serious health risks.
IQAir reported that PM2.5 levels in the capital were 78.4 µg/m³—15.7 times higher than the World Health Organization’s annual guideline value for the pollutant. These fine particles, small enough to enter the bloodstream when inhaled, are commonly generated by power plants, vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and waste burning.
The firm ranked Manila as the 22nd most polluted city globally in terms of air quality. To mitigate the impact of air pollution, IQAir urged residents to limit outdoor activities, keep windows closed, wear masks outside, and use air purifiers indoors.
