Visibility in the greater Male’ area dropped to the lowest level in recent times on Monday, as a thick blanket of haze returned.
An official from the Maldives Meteorological Service told Sun on Monday morning that the air quality in the Male’ area has dropped to ‘orange’ alert.
The visibility has dropped to 1,500 meters – the lowest it has dropped to in recent times.
“The air quality is poor across the country. But especially so in the Male’ region,” said the official.
According to the IQ Air, the Male’ currently has an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 123, which falls into the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” category. This means the air pollution poses health risks for sensitive individuals like children, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions, who should limit prolonged outdoor exertion, while the general public may start feeling effects.
This level, color-coded orange, indicates moderate pollution, requiring awareness and reduced activity for vulnerable groups.
According to information available from IQ Air, the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is at 44.3 micrograms per cubic meter – which is 8.9 times the World Health Organization annual PM2.5 guideline value.
Health recommendations:
Reduce outdoor exercise
Close your windows to avoid dirty outdoor air
Sensitive groups should wear a mask outdoors
Run an air purifier
Unlike mist or fog, haze is caused by fine particles in the air, which pollute the air and reduce visibility.
The Maldives usually faces haze during December and January, when the Hulhangu Monsoon transitions into Iruvai Monsoon.
Environmental analysts have warned the issue has become more severe in recent years, mainly due to hazardous gases expelled from factories in neighboring countries.