Weekly Air Quality Update for Sri Lanka
02 - 08 Dec 2024
Summary
From the 02nd – 08th December, Colombo and Digana experienced alarming levels of air pollution (AQI 151 – 200). Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (AQI 101-150) in Battaramulla (CEA & Pelawatta). Moderate (AQI 51-100) in Jaffna, Trincomalee, Kurunegala, Negombo, Puttalam, Ambalantota, Akurana, & Nuwara Eliya.
Early in the week (2nd–4th), winds brought polluted air from the Northern Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal to Sri Lanka, making the air quality poor. Later in the week (5th–8th), cleaner air from the central Indian Ocean improved conditions. However, on Sunday (8th), winds shifted again, bringing back polluted air from northern areas, causing the air quality to worsen. The poor air quality persisted into the 9th and 10th morning, with winds continuing to bring polluted air.
Weekly Average AQI for selected cities
Digana and Colombo recorded the highest weekly average AQI of 121. Nuwara Eliya recorded the lowest weekly AQI of 55.
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.