Air quality alert issued in Taiwan as PM2.5 blows over from China

Taipei, Feb. 2 (CNA) Air quality across Taiwan is expected to worsen from a yellow "moderate" level to an orange "unhealthy for sensitive groups" level starting Monday evening as pollutants float south from China, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) said.

An orange alert means that sensitive groups could experience health effects but other people are unlikely be affected, according to the MOENV website.

People with heart, respiratory and cardiovascular problems, and children, teenagers and older adults are advised by the ministry to reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities.

The MOENV said air quality in central and northern Taiwan is expected to gradually improve Tuesday afternoon as the impact of pollutants eases.

The ministry said southern Taiwan may remain under an orange alert level until Friday because the region is located in a downwind area with weaker wind speed.

In a press release, the MOENV said haze pollution was observed Sunday in parts of China from Shandong Province to Shanghai, where fine particulate matter (PM2.5) recorded hourly concentration levels of about 70 to 180 micrograms per cubic meter.

The ministry said PM2.5 hourly concentration in northern Taiwan could reach 30 to 50 micrograms per cubic meter as the polluted air moves in.

The MOENV said air quality could improve to a yellow "moderate" level on Saturday if the northeasterly monsoon strengthens and no additional pollutants arrive from overseas.