Winds blow harmful particulates from China to northern Luzon — study

Air pollution imported from China?

A study conducted by scientists from the University of the Philippines' Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (IESM) shows that winds carry harmful particulates from highly industrialized areas in northeastern China to the northernmost tip of Luzon during the Amihan season.

In the study commissioned by the Department of Science and Technology, meteorologist and UP associate professor Gerry Bagtasa conducted measurements in Burgos, Ilocos Norte every quarter of the year from 2015 to 2017.

“Tuwing Amihan, tumataas ang measurement ng particulates sa Burgos, Ilocos Norte. And doon sa pag-analyze namin, nakita namin na it’s from northeast China,” Bagtasa told GMA News.

“Tapos 'yung mga emissions doon, nadadala siya ng Amihan tapos umaabot siya at least [hanggang] doon sa measurement site sa Burgos.”

Maps show wind patterns in northeastern China during spring (above) and winter (below). According to meteorologist Gerry Bagtasa, chemical elements from highly industrialized areas in the region reach Burgos, Ilocos Norte every year during the Amihan season. Image courtesy of Gerry Bagtasa

The black band in the chart for winter shows rains that decrease the amount of particulates reaching the Philippines. Less rain in spring means more particulates reaching the Philippines. Images courtesy of Gerry Bagtasa

Bagtasa said the particulates could not have come from local sources.

“Hindi possible, o mababa 'yung possibility, na nanggaling siya sa local source kasi yung chemicals like chromium, cadmium, usually naka-ano ito sa industries na malalaki. Eh dito naman sa north natin, malayo ang mga malalaking coal power plants. Malayo rin ang mga petrochemical or mga storage ng mga gasolina,” Bagtasa explained.

Chromium is a chemical element that may cause skin rashes, nose irritation and nosebleeds, and respiratory problems.

Cadmium, on the other hand, may damage kidneys, lungs, the liver, and bones.

'Alarming'

Bagtasa said that the amounts of particulates he and his colleague analyzed were too low to have any effects on health.

“Masyado namang mababa 'yung concentration so we don’t really see reasons para tingnan 'yung health impacts nito,” he said.

Still, Bagtasa added, it was alarming that these particulates still reach the Philippines.

“Wala tayong magagawa kasi kumbaga 'yung weather pattern 'yon eh. Kumbaga parang bagyo. Wala tayong magagawa kung parating 'yon. Yung Amihan, wala rin tayong magagawa pagka may Amihan,” he said.

He said China has implemented measures to mitigate the problem. “In fact, may lumabas na study sa kanila na in the past five years, bumaba ng around 20% 'yung emissions nila,” Bagtasa said.

As for local solutions, Bagtasa said, “Siguro ang pinakamaagawa natin is to lessen local emissions.”

He said burning leaves and trash or “pagsisiga” has a bigger effect on our environment than the air pollution from northeastern China.

“Nalaglag 'yung dahon, sinusunog nila. May konting basura diyan, sama na rin natin. Even kung dahon lang, masama siya. 'Yung usok, once na naamoy mo 'yung siga, ibig sabihin, mataas yung particulate content ng hangin,” Bagtasa said.

GMA News has sought comment from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Health. — BM, GMA News