City records rise in unhealthy air quality days

Macau’s air quality deteriorated significantly in 2024, with a marked increase in “unhealthy” and “very unhealthy” days compared to the previous year, according to a report from the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG).

The findings reveal that the Ká Hó station recorded the highest health-risk index of the year at 216 on October 19.

As cited in a Ponto Final report, SMG indicates that last year, Macau experienced two “very unhealthy” days and 136 “unhealthy” days, a stark rise from just 91 such days recorded in 2023. The overall number of “good” or “moderate” air quality days also fell, dropping to 2,058 from 2,099 in the prior year.

The October 19 reading at Ká Hó highlighted ozone as the primary pollutant, with other stations reporting high indices as well—200 in Taipa and 182 in Coloane.

Notably, the health-risk index at the Macau roadside station peaked at 135 on December 30, with PM2.5, or fine particles, identified as the main pollutant on that day.

The trend of declining air quality has persisted since 2022, with authorities noting an increase in unhealthy days since 2021.

The SMG utilizes a network of automated monitoring stations to assess air quality, focusing on pollutants such as PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide, and ozone.

In light of these findings, officials advise the public to limit outdoor activities during periods of poor air quality, especially near congested areas.

The air quality classifications align with standards from the United States, Canada, and other regions, emphasizing the importance of public health. Victoria Chan