DOST chief advises using face masks against vog and smog

MANILA, Philippines — People affected by the smog shrouding parts of Luzon on Friday must wear a face mask, said Department of Science and Technology Sec. Renato Solidum Jr.

Smog induced by excessive car emissions trapped by cold air hit Metro Manila while Calabarzon and Central Luzon are affected by volcanic smog or vog due to Taal Volcano’s activity.

“Sa oras na nagkakaroon ng volcanic fog diyan sa Taal Volcano ay dapat talagang nagma-mask ang ating mga kababayan. Dito sa Kamaynilaan at karatig na probinsiya lalung-lalo na iyong maraming mga tumatakbong mga sasakyan, makikita po natin iyong pollution,” said Solidum in the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing.

(Once there is volcanic fog in Taal Volcano, residents nearby should wear face masks. Here in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces, especially places where many cars are on the road, we can see pollution.)

Solidum said that while the smog has two different causes, it impacts people’s health similarly.

“Kailangan din nating mag-mask para hindi maapektuhan ang ating respiratory system, kasi kung kayo ay mahina ang baga o may allergy, madalas po kayong maapektuhan ng ganitong mga pollutants sa Taal Volcano area galing sa bulkan; dito sa Metro Manila, galing sa mga sasakyan,” he said.

(The public needs to wear a face mask so that our respiratory systems are not affected because if you have weak lungs or are prone to allergies, you will often be affected by these pollutants in the Taal Volcano area. And here in Metro Manila, the contaminants are from the cars.)

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