Unexpected increase in air pollutants levels in Sri Lanka

According to data from the National Building Research Organisation's Air Quality Monitoring Centers, air pollution levels in Sri Lanka are on the rise these days. Apart from the southern parts of Sri Lanka, the particulate matter level in the atmosphere in Colombo, Kandy, Puttalam, Vavuniya, Jaffna and other places has increased abnormally since October 27 as can be seen from the data in the image below.

The amount of particulate matter in the atmosphere has more than doubled in last few days with respect to the levels recorded in the past few days. According to the U.S. Air Quality Index, the smallest particulate material, PM 2.5, has a value of between 100 and 150, a condition that can have a profound effect on sensitive groups.

The air pollution levels had been low in urban areas of Sri Lanka during past few days due to relatively low on road vehicle movements with the Covid 19 pandemic situation in the country. Therefore, the reason behind this unexpected sudden increase of air quality level could be linked with the variation of the wind pattern around the island. Based on the world air quality distribution map published in Air Visual website, the air pollutants levels of the atmosphere in the Indian peninsular is high during these days and it would be contributing to the Sri Lankan situation as the behaviour of air quality and wind pattern represented as follows.

This pollution condition is expected to continue for the next few days and may cause some breathing difficulties for sensitive groups (children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with respiratory illnesses), but not for others.

However, the health sector has been alerted to the potential health effects of this condition, and it is advisable to follow a routine such as wearing a regular mask and minimizing strenuous activities (exercise, sports, work outdoors) to minimize health problems. Also, seek medical advice if you have any respiratory problems.

The presence of such polution conditions can be observed due to natural changes such as the invisibility of buildings and other places far away from the horizon, the appearance of smoke in the surrounding atmosphere, and the presence of a slightly darker sky.

The NBRO Air Quality Monitoring Team is continuously monitoring the air quality levels in urban cities for changes in these conditions and are looking to educate individuals and organizations as needed.

Environmental Studies & Services Division

National Building Research Organisation