Air quality monitoring stations to be set up in Hulhumale
According to the Met, other factors that contribute to poorer air quality in the Maldives is due to increased air pollution.
Government is setting up air quality monitoring stations in Hulhumale with the support of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Environment ministry said on Monday that WHO has donated two ambient air quality monitoring stations to the Maldives to measure air quality. Agreements were signed between the ministry and HDC on Monday regarding the handing over of these stations to the Maldives and the establishment of these stations.
The ministry said in a statement:
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Hulhumale Central Park to set up first air monitoring station
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The data collected by the station will be published for public viewing
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Two air quality monitors have also been handed over to HDC; they will be installed in Hulhumale phase I and II
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These monitors can also measure air pollution, the 'air quality index' or AQI, which is a measure of air pollution
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Air quality meters to be installed in Male and Villimale soon
What is AQI?
The Air Quality Index, or AQI, is a standard set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to measure air quality. The index has six colours indicating the various air qualities. The parameters are:
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1-
Green – Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
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2-
Yellow – Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
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3-
Orange – Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected.
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4-
Red - Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.
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5-
Purple – Health alert: The risk of health effects is increased for everyone.
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6-
Maroon – Health warning of emergency conditions: everyone is more likely to be affected.
The air quality monitoring system has now been put in place around the country:
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HDh. Kulhudhuffushi
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Sh. Funadhoo
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Lh. Naifaru
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Dh. Kudahuvadhoo
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L. Gan
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GDh. Thinadhoo
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Fuvahmulah
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Addu Hithadhoo
The air pollution levels in the country have increased significantly in the last two years due to some monsoon season effects, that cause smoke and haze to linger atop the islands instead of being blown away by open ocean winds. According to the Met, other factors that contribute to poorer air quality in the Maldives is due to increased air pollution in countries in the region and snow and sand hazes coming from the Himalayan region.
