Dust storm in China to worsen Taiwan's air quality from Tuesday

Taipei, Nov. 24 (CNA) A dust storm in Inner Mongolia, China, is expected to worsen Taiwan's air quality on Tuesday, with the public advised to reduce outdoor activities and wear masks, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) said Monday.

According to the MOENV, particulate matter (PM10) levels in Inner Mongolia reached 500 to 800 micrograms per cubic meter, and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the Shandong-Shanghai corridor reached 50 to 100 micrograms per cubic meter.

Pollutants carried from these areas by monsoon winds are expected to push PM2.5 readings in northern Taiwan to 30 to 50 micrograms per cubic meter on Tuesday morning, rising to 100 to 150 micrograms per cubic meter in the afternoon, the MOENV said.

South and central Taiwan are set to be affected from the afternoon through to the evening, the ministry added.

Air quality is expected to improve to a "good" or "moderate" level by Saturday, it said.