PM2.5 haze from China to affect Taiwan in coming week: MOENV

Taipei, Jan. 5 (CNA) Taiwan will experience poorer air quality and visibility from Monday through Thursday due to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) moving in from China, according to the Ministry of Environment (MOENV).

In a press statement issued on Sunday, the MOENV said that air quality across Taiwan is expected to range from "moderate to orange" warning levels from Jan. 6 to Jan. 9.

An orange warning level means air quality is "unhealthy for sensitive groups" though "the general public is not likely to be affected," according to the MOENV's Air Quality Monitoring Network website.

In its Sunday press statement, the ministry said that PM2.5 hourly concentrations of around 100-180 micrograms per cubic meter were accumulating above Shanghai and Shandong Province in China on Sunday.

Accompanied by a southbound cold air mass, a wave of these particles are expected to move into Taiwan on Monday, the MOENV said, with PM2.5 concentrations measuring 40-50 micrograms per cubic meter possible in northern parts of the country.

The particulates are then forecast to sweep southward with prevailing winds, lowering air quality across Taiwan.

The World Health Organization has recommended in its air quality guidelines that 24-hour average exposures to PM2.5 particulates should not exceed 15 micrograms per cubic meter.

"During periods of poor air quality, you should try to avoid going outside as much as possible," the ministry advised. "If you do go out, you are advised to wear a protective mask."

The MOENV also said it had notified local environmental protection bureaus to initiate contingency procedures such as strengthening pollution prevention and control measures at construction sites.

Air quality in areas north of Hsinchu and Miaoli counties is expected to improve from Tuesday, though other areas will continue to be affected until at least Thursday, when another wave of pollution from China may also roll into Taiwan, the ministry said.