The Health Promotion Administration (HPA) today urged people in Taipei and Kinmen County to stay inside as air quality plummeted to a “red” alert, cautioning people to wear masks outside and use air purifiers.
An air quality index (AQI) of 101 to 150 is classified as an “orange” alert, which could be harmful to children, seniors and people with heart or lung conditions.
A “red” alert means the AQI has risen to 151 to 200 and could be harmful to everyone.
Photo courtesy of the Taiwan Air Quality Monitoring Network
Anyone experiencing discomfort such as eye pain, coughing or a sore throat should stay indoors as much as possible and reduce physical activity, the HPA said in a news release.
To minimize negative health effects, people should limit outdoor activities or switch to moderate-intensity indoor activities, especially for those with respiratory issues, the HPA said.
Even healthy people should postpone any long-distance or vigorous outdoor exercise, it added.
The best way to protect oneself and stay healthy is to avoid allergens and other triggers, maintain regular exercise and a balanced diet, and wear a mask outside when the air quality is poor, the HPA said.
People can download the LOHAS Weather app to see real-time data on local air quality to understand their surrounding environment and take preventive measures in advance, it said.
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