Breathing is Getting Expensive: The Navotas Landfill Fire is Ruining Our Air

If you went outside in Metro Manila today, you probably noticed the air feels heavy. It tastes like metal and makes your eyes sting. This is not just normal smog. It is because of a big fire at the Navotas landfill that has been burning since Saturday.

The trouble started when a large part of the 40-hectare trash site caught fire. It sent toxic smoke all over the city. The fire department says the fire is "under control," but it is not out yet. The trash is still smouldering. This releases very small bits of dust called PM2.5. These bits are so tiny they can go into your lungs and your blood. Right now, a simple walk to the store or a commute to work is dangerous for your health.

The worst part happened when air monitors turned red and purple. In Quezon City, Caloocan, and Malabon, the air became "very unhealthy." Breathing the air in some parts of the city right now is like sitting behind a car exhaust pipe. The smoke has travelled very far. Even people in Makati and Manila say they can smell burnt trash inside their homes.

Learning from the experts in bad air

This fire might take many days to stop completely. We should look at how people in cities like Seoul, South Korea, handle bad air. They have a plan for "fine dust" days. They don't just hope for the best. They use specific gear and habits to make sure they don't bring the poison back into their homes.

When you go out, what you wear is your first shield.

Face mask

Use an N95, KN95, or KF94 mask. Normal cloth masks or blue surgical masks do not work. The holes in the cloth are too big for the tiny smoke particles to pass through.

Slippery clothes

Wear windbreakers or nylon. Do not wear wool, cotton, or fleece. These soft fabrics catch the ash and dust like a magnet. You will end up carrying the pollution into your house.

Eye protection

Wear glasses instead of contact lenses. The smoke makes eyes very dry and itchy. Contacts can trap the chemicals against your eyes.

Saline spray

Carry a small bottle of salt water spray. When you get to work or back home, spray it in your nose to wash out the dust.

Keeping the air clean inside your home

You also need to protect the air inside your house. Even if you stay indoors, smoke can get through the cracks in windows and doors. You must seal your home until the fire is completely out.

Keep all windows closed. If you use an air conditioner, set it to "recirculate." This means it uses the air already inside instead of pulling in the smoky air from outside. A very good tip is to take off your "outside" clothes as soon as you get home. Put them in a laundry bag right away. This stops the trash particles from getting on your sofa or your bed.

Use these apps to check the smoke levels

Since the wind changes every hour, the air quality in your street might be different from the next town. You can use your smartphone to see exactly how much smoke is in your area before you open your windows or go out.

• IQAIR AIRVISUAL. This is the most popular app for air quality. It uses a simple color code. If you see red or purple for your city, stay inside.

• AIR MATTERS. This app gives you a "health forecast." It tells you if it is safe to exercise outside or if you should turn on an air purifier.

• AQICN.ORG. This is a website you can visit on your phone browser. It shows a map of all the air sensors in Metro Manila so you can see where the smoke is moving.

• DENR-EMB PORTAL. This is the official government website. It shows data from the professional sensors located in places like Makati and Quezon City.

How to check if it is safe to go out

Before you leave the house, check the air quality numbers on your apps. You can see a score for your specific area.

1. SCORE 101 TO 150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups)

This often happens in the city when there is a lot of traffic.

WHAT YOU SEE. The air looks a bit blurry or hazy. You can see big buildings far away, but they do not look sharp. The sky might look more white or grey than blue.

HOW IT FEELS. Your throat might feel a little dry. If you have asthma or allergies, your eyes might start to itch if you stay outside for a long time.

2. SCORE 151 TO 200 (Unhealthy)

This is what much of Metro Manila is experiencing right now because of the landfill fire.

WHAT YOU SEE. It is hard to see far away. Everything looks like it has a dusty, brownish-yellow tint. The smoke might look like a thin fog sitting over your street.

HOW IT FEELS. You will smell something burning, like plastic or trash. Your eyes will sting, and you will feel the need to cough. Almost everyone will feel a bit sick if they breathe this air for too long.

3. SCORE 201 TO 300 (Very Unhealthy)

This is a health emergency.

WHAT YOU SEE. The air looks very thick and dark, like a heavy brown or grey cloud has landed on the ground. You might not be able to see the end of your street. Cars will need to use their headlights even during the day.

HOW IT FEELS. It feels hard to take a deep breath. Your nose and throat will burn.

Staying healthy until the smoke goes away

A landfill fire lasts a long time. The smell might stay for a week. Your throat might feel dry or itchy. Drink a lot of water to help your body wash out the dust. Do not fry food or light candles inside your house. This makes the indoor air even worse.

Check your city’s Facebook page for news. Some schools might cancel classes if the wind blows the smoke toward your neighbourhood.

Checking the air in Metro Manila is now very important for every family. By using apps and wearing the right masks, you can keep your family safe from the smoke of the Navotas fire.

^{Featured image credit: luisitosantos03 | X}