DENR follows the air quality health guide based on RA 8749 or the ‘Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, a law providing for a comprehensive air pollution control policy, among others.
‘’We have four monitoring stations in Tabaco City at 13.0km, Legazpi City at 12.10km, Guinobatan at 11.5km, and Ligao City at 16.15km radius,’’ Abu said.
Abu noted that the particles in Mayon volcano are lighter and suspended in the atmosphere.
‘’Kapag bumaba iyan (ash), ibig sabihin mabigat na kaya nagkakaroon tayo ng ashfall,’’ Abu said.
Protection
According to a health advisory from the Center for Health Development here of the Department of Health (DOH), in case of ashfall the public is advised to:
1. Stay inside the house and avoid going outside unless necessary.
2. Use a damp cloth, surgical masks, and dust mask to cover nose and mouth.
3. Avoid opening doors and windows and hang damp curtains.
4. Use eye glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from ashfall.
5. Do not scratch your eyes incase of irritation and wash it with warm water.
Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office Chief Cedric Daep said in a separate press briefing on Monday, June 26, that there were three scenarios in case the Mayon volcano’s unrest escalates.
Daep advised the public to be ready in case of ashfall, volcanic quakes, and pyroclastic density current.
‘’Using damp cloth is the best protection to avoid inhaling the ash,’’ Daep said. (PIA5/Albay)
