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Smog may be pushed out during weekend
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Posted on Apr 07 2006
Winds are expected to push the smog out of the Marianas over the weekend, according to the Emergency Management Office yesterday.
EMO, in its haze and dust advisory, said winds could pick up from the east and should push the smog out of the Marianas by Saturday night or early Sunday.
EMO also stated that based on the assessment conducted by the National Weather Service, Guam and USGS, there are no significant sulfurous volcanic gases in the air over the region.
But EMO advised residents with respiratory problems or asthma to minimize prolonged outdoor air exposures during the time that dust is present in the air.
“Stay indoors until local officials advise that it is safe to go outside,” EMO said.
EMO explained that wind flow patterns earlier in the week brought smog and pollution from Asia to the Marianas.
“A temperature inversion…which helps trap pollution close to the ground…and light winds will help keep the Asian smog and any locally-produced pollution over the islands through tonight,” the agency said.
This, EMO added, will result in reduced visibilities and at times an unpleasant odor.
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Health issued the following precautions to CNMI residents:
• If the water source is contaminated or has an acid taste or smell, do not consume the water. To purify water, add 10 drops of chlorine bleach to 1 gallon of water and let is stand for 30 minutes, or boil water for 5 minutes.
• Residents are encouraged to consume bottled water until their alternate source of drinking water has been flushed and cleared of all coal.
•Affected water is safe for cleaning vegetables and fruits. The coal will not harm fruits or vegetables, but people must wash these items thoroughly.
• Fruits and vegetables are not affected by small amounts of coal-fall. Remember to wash all fruits and vegetables before consuming them.
•Affected water is safe for washing clothes. Use extra detergent in your washer.
•Affected water is safe for showering.
•Affected water is safe for flushing toilets.
DPH and EMO said they are going to continue closely monitoring the movement of the air pollution from the Asian smog and will inform the public of any changes. (Ferdie dela Torre)
