Many parts of Taiwan experience poor air quality

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Many parts of Taiwan experience poor air quality: EPA

2015/01/25 17:59:50

CNA file photo

Taipei, Jan. 25 (CNA) Central and southern Taiwan, along with the outlying island of Kinmen, experienced poor air quality on Sunday due to a high concentration of pollutants in the atmosphere, the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA 環保署) reported, adding similar conditions could prevail through Tuesday.

Southern Taiwan's Yunlin, Chiayi and Tainan areas were among the hardest-hit, with the level of particles 2.5 microns or smaller in diameter (PM2.5) coming in as high as 10 on a 10-point scale, EPA data indicated.

Kinmen, which sits just off the coast of China, also experienced a pollution level of up to 10, it said.

Other parts in the affected areas generally saw a level-9 pollution rating, according to the EPA.

The condition could slightly ease beginning Monday, with the reading expected to drop to 8-9 in central and southern Taiwan. The forecast for Kinmen was not available immediately.

Also, the EPA advised the public to wear surgical masks when going outdoors and suggested people with eye, throat ot respiratory problems should reduce their outdoor activities.

Additionally, senior citizens and people who have heart or respiratory problems should avoid outdoors activities as much as possible, the agency recommended.

PM2.5 particles are considered particularly dangerous because they are often made up of substances, such as heavy metals, that are more toxic and can travel deep into the human lungs.

(By Lee Hsin-Yin)