The Philippines ranked 79th out of 134 countries in IQAir’s 2023 World Air Quality Report, reaching a 13.5 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) average of PM2.5.

PM2.5 concentration indicates the amount of fine particulate matter suspended in the air up to 2.5 microns in diameter. It's measured in μg/m3 and is one of six air pollutants that classify air quality.

“The data utilized to create this report was aggregated from more than 30,000 air quality monitoring stations operated by research institutions, governmental bodies, universities and educational facilities, non-profit organizations, private companies, and citizen scientists,” the report wrote.

Despite slight ease in air pollution, the country’s air quality score is still almost triple the advised annual average PM2.5 concentration of five or less.

The Swiss air quality assessor cited Calamba City in Laguna as sixth in safest air quality in Southeast Asia, making it the least air polluted city in the country with an 8.2 μg/m³ average of PM2.5.

However, even the country’s least polluted city did not meet air quality standards prescribed by the World Health Organization.

“Exposure to PM2.5 air pollution leads to and exacerbates numerous health conditions, including but not limited to asthma, cancer, stroke, and lung disease,” the report stated. “Additionally, exposure to elevated levels of fine particles can impair cognitive development in children, lead to mental health issues, and complicate existing illnesses including diabetes.”

French Polynesia boasts the cleanest air quality at only 3.2 μg/m³ average of PM2.5, followed by Mauritius at 3.5 μg/m³.

In 2022, PH placed 69th out of 131 countries in IQAir’s report.

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