As China’s air quality worsens, northeast seasonal wind carries the hazardous breeze into Taiwan. The air quality in Taiwan has been horrendous for days and it is expected to stay foul for the next two days, according to the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA).
The EPA said air quality in the western part of the country was in the dangerous unhealthy range, with PM 2.5 level reaching the hazardous level of 10 in southwestern Taiwan. The PM 2.5 index is defined as air pollution that contains fine particles smaller than 2.5 millimeters in diameter and is linked to several chronic health problems. In western areas of central and northern Taiwan, the PM 2.5 pollution levels were 9 and 7 respectively.
The poor air quality was due to poor conditions for atmospheric dispersion -- meaning little wind, said EPA. Taiwan has been experiencing poor air quality since November 6, the PM 2.5 index was reported at mid to high levels, which is between 36 and 70 milligrams per cubic meter. According to the EPA, level-10 PM 2.5 concentrations exceed 72 micrograms per cubic meter and are considered extremely high, but measurements above level 7 are deemed severe enough to cause tangible discomfort and health problems.
The recent smog has boosted the number of patients at the clinics of ophthalmologists. EPA has advised the elderly and people with chronic lung problems or heart disease to avoid prolonged or strenuous outdoor activity.
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