BY REY ILAGAN
EDITORS DESK
IQAir recently released its 7th annual World Air Quality Report on March 11, shedding light on the most polluted countries and areas in 2024. The findings highlight concerning trends in global air pollution, with most regions failing to meet recommended air quality standards.
The Philippines ranked 74th worldwide, with an average US AQI of 62 and a PM2.5 concentration of 14.82 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) average of PM2.5—three times the World Health Organization’s (WHO) annual guideline value. This marks a decline from 2023, when the country ranked 79th with a PM2.5 level of 13.5 µg/m³. Pasig City emerged as the most polluted city in the country, recording a US AQI of 89, while Carmona, Cavite was named the cleanest city with a US AQI of 41.
This year’s report analyzed data from more than 40,000 air quality monitoring stations across 8,954 locations in 138 countries, territories, and regions, providing a comprehensive look at global air pollution trends.
The report noted that only 17 percent of global cities meet WHO’s air quality guidelines. Seven countries—Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Estonia, Grenada, Iceland, and New Zealand—met the WHO’s recommended annual PM2.5 level of 5 µg/m³, while the most polluted were Chad, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Congo, and India.
“Air pollution remains a critical threat to both human health and environmental stability, yet vast populations remain unaware of their exposure levels,” IQAir Global CEO Frank Hammes said.
“Air quality data saves lives. It creates much-needed awareness, informs policy decisions, guides public health interventions, and empowers communities to take action to reduce air pollution and protect future generations,” Hammes continued.
We all know that health declines when people are exposed to poor air quality. Exposure to PM2.5—fine particulate matter linked to air pollution—can contribute to serious health conditions, including asthma, cancer, stroke, and lung diseases, according to IQAir. Studies also associate prolonged exposure with congenital heart defects, allergic diseases, cognitive impairments, neurodevelopmental disorders, and mental health issues.
With the Philippines highly vulnerable to environmental risks, local governments like Makati and Quezon City are stepping up efforts to improve air quality monitoring and policy interventions.
Makati has installed real-time air quality monitoring systems in key barangays to provide accurate pollution data. These sensors track various indicators, including heat index, temperature, humidity, CO2 levels, and particulate matter.
“With these sensors, we are able to zero in on areas in the city where poor air quality poses serious health hazards,” Makati Mayor Abby Binay said during the 2024 Taal Volcano vog emissions. “These smart devices also help the city government monitor compliance with the Clean Air Act and related regulations, particularly among businesses.”
The city then posts regular advisories on social media, informing residents about pollution levels and necessary precautions. In 2024, the city had 824 indoor air quality monitoring devices and 200 outdoor units equipped with solar panels.
Quezon City has also expanded its air quality monitoring network last year, with 40 non-reference air quality sensors and one reference station tracking pollutants such as PM2.5 from vehicle and industrial emissions. The data collected informs local policies and environmental projects.
“Guided by the city’s air quality management plan, which identifies mobile sources as the primary contributor to air pollutants based on the city’s Emission Inventory, we are actively pursuing measures to meet the more stringent air quality guideline values set forth by the World Health Organization,” Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte explained. “These efforts involve evidence-based policy interventions and projects aimed at achieving even better air quality for our constituents.”
To keep residents informed, Quezon City publishes real-time air quality index updates every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on its official website and social media pages, including the Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability Department Facebook page.
Improving air quality across the Philippines will require stronger policies and sustained efforts like these monitoring systems in Makati and Quezon City. With air pollution remaining a major public health risk, everyone must stay informed and do their part in reducing it.
(Rey Robes Ilagan is the editor of Manila Bulletin’s Environment and Sustainability section.)
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