Air quality drops to ‘unhealthy’ level in Colombo
File Photo.

Air quality drops to ‘unhealthy’ level in Colombo

March 11, 2023   12:06 pm

The quality of air in parts of Sri Lanka dropped this morning (March 11), with the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Colombo reaching an ‘unhealthy’ level of concern (numerical value between 151-200).

As per the air quality monitor (AQM) installed by the US Embassy in Colombo, the air quality in the island’s commercial capital has plunged to an AQI index value of 152 as at 11.00 a.m. today.

Meanwhile, figures from IQAir – a Swiss air quality technology company – showed that the air quality has plummeted to an AQI index value of 155 in Jaffna.

However, the air quality of Nuwara Eliya, Negombo, Dambulla, Ambalantota, Ratnapura and Gampaha areas was observed to be at moderate levels, according to IQAir data.

The air quality in Battaramulla and Kandy has reported a level of concern that is ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ as the AQI index values of these areas reached 136 and 107, respectively, this morning.

The AQI, used to communicate to the general public the daily air quality, is based on the measurement of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), Ozone (O3), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) emissions. 

Disclaimer: All the comments will be moderated by the AD editorial. Abstain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or slanderous. Please avoid outside hyperlinks inside the comment and avoid typing all capitalized comments. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by flagging them(mouse over a comment and click the flag icon on the right side). Do use these forums to voice your opinions and create healthy discourse.

Most Viewed Video Stories

Former Director of State Engineering Corporation arrested on corruption charge (English)

Former Director of State Engineering Corporation arrested on corruption charge (English)

PM Harini lands in New Delhi for maiden visit to India after assuming office (English)

Three police teams currently interrogating six suspects including 'Ishara Sewwandi' (English)

Low taxes and inequitable policies deepened Sri Lanka's economic crisis - HRW (English)

Unusual behaviour of stray dogs at Tangalle Harbour: Seized drug haul to blame?

🔴LIVE | Ada Derana Prime Time News Bulletin

Three police teams interrogating six suspects including 'Ishara Sewwandi

IMF launches World Economic Outlook & Financial Stability Report, Sri Lanka in focus (English)