Sensitive groups warned as Colombo air quality turns unhealthy

The air quality in the Colombo city is to remain unhealthy and thus, sensitive people are warned to be cautious of this situation, National Building Research Organisation (NBRO) Senior Scientist H.D Sarath Premasiri said.  

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, he said Air Quality Index (AQI) values were recorded between 100-130 during last three days and it is expected to remain at the same range in next five days as well.

“However, sensitive people should be mindful of this and take early precautions to avoid air interaction,” Premasiri said.

According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, when AQI values are between 101 and 150, members of sensitive groups might experience health effects, but the general public was unlikely to be affected.

“People with heart or lung disease, children, older adults and people who are active outdoors are considered sensitive and therefore at greater risk,” it states. 

The situation of air quality being unhealthy has been reported on numerous occasions during last and this year. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

Pix by Damith Wickramasinghe