DPH: Haze no threat to health

Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez issued a public health advisory yesterday regarding a decrease in air quality over the Marianas due to weather patterns that have brought pollution to the Pacific region’s atmosphere.

The Emergency Management Office, however, stressed that the mist over the Pacific does not have any connection with the Anatahan volcano emissions but was brought in by winds from Asia.

Decrease in air quality and sulfuric odor have been detectable over the Marianas for the past couple of days but conditions worsened considerably yesterday afternoon.

DPH said that most residents of the CNMI will not suffer any effects from the gases. “However, residents with serious breathing problems or recent asthma attacks should remain indoors if breathing becomes a problem. Residents with serious problems should seek care with their local doctor or the emergency room,” it said.

Schools will remain open and no significant gas accumulation is expected.

The department said, though, that it is possible that the decrease in air quality will continue over the next few days.

EMO, in its haze and vapor advisory yesterday, explained that, based on the information the agency received from the National Weather Service Guam and U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, the wind flow pattern brought the haze and pollution from Asia to the Marianas region.

“A temperature inversion, light winds and water vapors (salt-spray) that are present over and around our area help trap pollution close to the ground,” EMO said.

These three conditions, the agency said, are helping the Asian smog and any locally produced pollution hover over the islands.

“With this light winds, the haze or the smog will continue throughout the day,” EMO said.

The agency said winds are forecasted to increase later yesterday and today, Friday, and will help push the haze away.

“Therefore, based on National Weather Service, Guam assessment, there are no significant sulfurous volcanic gases in the air over the Marianas,” EMO said.

EMO deputy director Mark Pangelinan told the Saipan Tribune that there is nothing to worry as the haze or mist poses no danger to health.

On Tuesday, EMO had explained the slight haze and the smell of sulfur on Saipan over the past few days. It assured that there are no significant sulfurous vocanic gases in the air over the Marianas region.

Gov. Benigno R. Fitial advised the public to tune in to local radio broadcast or local news sources and log in at www.cnmiemo.gov.mp on the internet for any future development on Anatahan volcano or any other statements and advisories.

Meanwhile, four scientists from Hawaii led by volcano hazard coordinator James Quick arrived Wednesday night on Saipan.

Pangelinan said they had a couple of meetings yesterday with the visiting scientists on the volcano hazard program and the USGS’ support to the CNMI with respect to volcano and seismic issues.