Air quality plummets across Maldives again, Malé worst hit as pollution hits 5.6 times WHO safe level

Air quality monitors show that the air over a large area of the Maldives has become polluted to a level that could be dangerous for vulnerable people, according to readings taken today. IQAir, which tracks air cleanliness, shows fine particulate matter — described as red dust — present in the Maldives at 28 micrograms per cubic meter. That is 5.6 times higher than the minimum safe level set by the World Health Organization. According to IQAir, the air is most polluted in Malé at this time, with air quality in the capital between 86 and 93. Air quality in many northern atolls is in the yellow caution category. Health experts are urging vulnerable groups to wear masks before going outside, to keep doors closed so that polluted air does not enter, and to suspend sports and exercise. IQAir forecasts that the air in these atolls will begin to clear from tomorrow. Air quality in the southern atolls is at a level considered good from a health perspective. In the Maldives, the air generally becomes polluted because of "haze". Unlike "fog" and "mist", haze consists of very small dry particles present in the air. Even though they may not be visible to the naked eye, these particles pollute the atmosphere and reduce long-distance visibility. Last year, the problem continued for a very large number of days.