'Unhealthy' air quality recorded in northern Taiwan, outlying islands

Taipei, April 13 (CNA) Red "unhealthy" air quality alerts were issued in Taipei, New Taipei and Taiwan's outlying Kinmen and Matsu islands by the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) on Sunday morning, as northeasterly winds brought across particulate matter from China.

According to the MOENV's Air Quality Monitoring Network, red levels -- indicating "unhealthy" conditions -- were recorded at monitoring stations in Shimen and Wanli districts in New Taipei, and Songshan District in Taipei, as of 9 a.m.

Red alerts were also issued in Taiwan's outlying Kinmen County and Matsu islands (Lienchiang County).

The air quality network also said that Taiwan was experiencing widespread "orange" status conditions -- indicating air quality was "unhealthy for sensitive groups" -- in the cities and counties of Hsinchu, Miaoli, Yunlin, Chiayi, Nantou, Yilan, Hualien and Penghu.

Forecasts indicated that PM10 concentrations in northern Taiwan could reach 200 to 300 micrograms per cubic meter on Sunday, while PM2.5 levels may hit 30 to 40 micrograms per cubic meter.

The MOENV stated it had alerted local environmental protection bureaus to initiate emergency response measures such as strengthening pollution controls at large factories and construction sites.

The ministry also urged the public to limit outdoor activities and wear a mask when outdoors.

The MOENV explained that a dust storm in Inner Mongolia on Friday had blown particulate matter eastward, and that northeasterly winds were now carrying those particles to Taiwan.