Air quality in Taipei may reach the red alert level today as winds cause pollutants to accumulate, the Department of Environmental Protection said, advising people to wear masks when going outside today and tomorrow.
The western half of Taiwan is experiencing poor dispersion conditions today due to high-pressure return flow and southeasterly winds, the department said in a press release today.
Photo: Tien Yu-hua, Taipei Times
The air quality index this morning already surpassed 100, deemed unhealthy for sensitive groups, and is likely to breach 150 this afternoon, reaching the red alert level, it said.
Today and tomorrow, Taipei City would remain downwind, allowing pollutants to accumulate, the department said.
Residents are urged to limit outdoor activities, wear masks when outside and reduce the use of private vehicles in favor of public transportation, it said.
The department has begun its air quality emergency response measures, including inspections of construction sites and restaurants, roadside checks on scooters and diesel-powered trucks, intensified street cleaning operations and enhanced self-regulation in factories, it said.
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