Weekly Air Quality Update for Sri Lanka
2nd - 8th September 2024
Summary
Last week’s Air Quality (AQ) was moderate (AQI 51 – 100) in Digana, Akurana, Battaramulla (CEA), Gampaha, Negombo, and Kurunegala while Colombo, Nuwara Eliya, Battaramulla (Pelawatte), and Ambalantota it was good (AQI 0-50).
In the first half of the week, polluted air was transported from the Oman coasts while to the second half of the week, the air arrived from the central Indian ocean at 36-54 kmph at an elevation of 1.5km. Therefore, air quality conditions shall likely remain clean for the next week.
Weekly Average AQI for selected cities
Akurana recorded the highest average weekly AQI of 65. Colombo recorded the lowest weekly AQI of 22.
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.