Poor air quality forecast for Taiwan through Tuesday

Taipei, March 9 (CNA) The air quality throughout most of Taiwan is expected to remain poor through Tuesday as a result of pollutants being carried on cold air mass from China, the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) said Monday.

The most severely affected areas are likely to be Pingtung, Kaohsiung, Yunlin, Chiayi and Tainan in southern Taiwan, the EPA said.

Its data showed that the level of particle pollution --the concentration of harmful fine particulate matters in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in width -- may be around 9 in those areas.

Kinmen and Matsu, which sit just off the coast of China, may also experience a pollution level of up to 9, with the poor air quality in all the affected areas prevailing through Tuesday, the EPA said.

Measurements above 7 on the 10-point particle pollution index are deemed severe enough to cause tangible discomfort and health problems.

People in the affected areas are advised, therefore, to wear protective masks to cover their noses and mouths when going outdoors during the high-level pollution period, the EPA said.

It also suggested that senior citizens and people with heart or respiratory problems avoid going outdoors if possible.

(By Lee Hsin-Yin)ENDITEM/pc