Weekly Air Quality Update for Sri Lanka
29 December - 04 January 2025
Summary
From 29–31 December, most areas across Sri Lanka recorded Unhealthy AQI values, with Unhealthy conditions being predominant.
From 01–04 January, air quality improved slightly, with most areas recording Moderate AQI values. However, Akurana (AV-Outdoor), Chilaw (CEA), Trincomalee, Jaffna, and Anuradhapura continued to record Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups AQI values on several days. Trincomalee on 01 January and Anuradhapura on 02 January recorded Good AQI values. The polluted air affecting Sri Lanka appears to have last traveled over land across eastern and southeastern Indian states, including Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, before being transported over the Bay of Bengal.
When considering weekly average AQI values, Akurana (AV-Outdoor), Colombo (Gregory’s Road), Mirihana, Negombo, Battaramulla (CEA), Chilaw (CEA), Puttalam, Trincomalee, Jaffna, and Anuradhapura recorded Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups weekly average AQI values. Digana, Kurunegala, and Ambalanthota recorded Moderate weekly average AQI values.
Weekly Air Quality Index (AQI) Levels:
Moderate (AQI 51–100): Digana, Kurunegala, Ambalantota
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (AQI 101–150): Akurana-AV-Outdoor, Colombo(Gregory’s Road), Mirihana(Cleanco), Negombo, Battaramulla(CEA), Chilaw(CEA), Puttalam, Trincomalee, Jaffna, Anuradhapura
Read more about AQ color scale and real-time air quality stations operated by FECT https://fect.lk/air-quality/
Observed fine particulate measurements by the minute for last days
Air Quality impact on human health
Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) are generally 2.5 microns and smaller in size. Such particles are inhalable and easily lodges inside the lungs reducing capacity. PM2.5 is a concern for people’s health when levels in the air are high. The levels of risk are shown in the dial shown against the US EPA air quality standards. AQ has a scale that run from 0-500, that tells you how clean or polluted your air is. Each level on the scale corresponds to a different level of health concern.