Weekly Air Quality Update for Sri Lanka
7th - 13th October 2024
Summary
Last week’s Air Quality (AQ) was moderate (AQI 51 – 100) in Digana, Battaramulla (Pelawatte), Gampaha, Dambulla, Kurunegala, Negombo and Colombo while Akurana, Nuwara Eliya, Colombo (US Embassy) and Ambalantota it was good (AQI 0-50).
Last week air was transported from the Arabian Sea, at speeds of 25 – 45 km/h at an elevation of 1.2 km. It is likely that air quality conditions shall likely remain clean-to-moderate for the next week. The heavy rains in the coming week is likely to scrub the air of some pollutants.
Weekly Average AQI for selected cities
Digana recorded the highest weekly average AQI of 64. Akurana recorded the lowest weekly AQI of 21.
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 week
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.