Precaution urged when going outdoors due to poor air quality

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has advised the public to take precautionary measures when going outdoors due to poor air quality.

HPA, via a post on X on Tuesday, advised the public to take precautionary measures based on the severity of the poor air quality which can be checked via Ministry of Tourism and Environment’s link or IQAIR Visual mobile application.

The agency has provided instructions on precautionary measures that can be implemented based on the severity of the poor air quality.

In this regard, if the air quality is ranked level yellow, HPA has advised sensitive individuals to avoid outdoor activity as they may experience respiratory system and wear N95 or similar masks if they are required to go outdoors. The public has also been advised to keep doors and windows at homes closed to prevent polluted air from entering homes and to use air purifiers indoors.

If the air quality is ranked level orange, the general public, and in particular, sensitive individuals, are at risk of experiencing irritation and respiratory systems.

If the air quality is ranked level red, there is an increased likelihood of adverse effects and aggravation to the heart and lungs among the general public.

Records show air quality across the Maldives have significantly dropped yet again. In this regard, the air quality system at the Maldives National University (MNU)’s Centre for Maritime Studies campus in Vilimale’ showed that the air quality in the Male’ area stood at 159 on the air quality index on Monday, which is level red.

According to IQAir, the air quality in Male’ area presently is at 62, which is level yellow.