AIR POLLUTION

CABBAB | ESTRADA | IGNACIO | LACUESTA

MENDOZA | QUIOCHO | RULOMA| YU
WHAT IS AIR POLLUTION ?

“Undesirable presence of impurities or the abnormal rise in the

proportion of some constituents of the atmosphere.”

Either visible or invisible

AIR POLLUTANTS

Air pollution, both indoors and

outdoors, is a major environmental
health problem affecting everyone in
developed and developing countries
alike. Any agent that spoils air quality
is called air pollutant.

AIR POLLUTANT is any substance which

may harm humans, animals, vegetation
or material
AIR POLLUTANTS
Air pollution can be defined as the presence of pollutants, such as
• Sulphur dioxide (SO2),
• particle substances (PM),
• nitrogen oxides (NOx)
• volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and
• ozone (O3)
that is created as a result of photochemical reactions.

These pollutants in the air which we inhale at levels can create some
NEGATIVE EFFECTS on the environment and human health
AIR POLLUTANTS
Air pollutants have sources that are both
NATURAL AND HUMAN-BASED. Now, humans
contribute substantially more to the air
pollution problem. Though some pollution
comes from natural sources, most pollution is
the result of human activity.

NATURAL SOURCES HUMAN SOURCES

volcanic eruptions, dust

factories, automobiles etc.
storms and wildfires

Air pollution is a problem of growing

importance. This pollution damages the
natural processes in the atmosphere and
affects public health negatively.
AIR POLLUTANTS

• Pollutants such as dust, soot, fog,

steam, ash, smoke, etc. are introduced
into air naturally and as a result of human
activities. The atmosphere can neutralize
toxic solid, liquid and gaseous substances
by melting them; however, due to the
production of excessive amounts of such
substances and depending on the
meteorological and topographic
conditions, the atmosphere is in a
continuous process of pollution.
AIR POLLUTANTS

Few scientists found that air pollution is associated

with respiratory tract diseases of many sorts. In
their study, investigated the health records and
found that there are statistically significant
relationships between respiratory tract diseases and
rough particles, and that rough particles constitute
an important threat for human health
AIR POLLUTANTS

An average person inhales about 13,000-

16,000 liters of air daily and 400-500 million
liters in his lifetime.

The direct effects of air pollution on human

health vary depending on the
• period of exposure to air pollution,
• intensity of air pollution, and
• the general health condition of the
population.
AIR POLLUTION EFFECTS

The negative effects of air pollution on health, the

following have been observed:
• An increase in lung cancer cases
• An increase in the frequency of chronic asthma crisis
• An increase in the frequency of asthma cases
• An increase in the frequency of coughing/phlegm
• An increase in the acute disorders of upper
respiratory system
• An increase in eye, nose and throat irritation cases
• Reduction in respiratory capacity
• An increase in mortality
• A reduction in productivity
• A reduction in reproductivity
• An increase in medical treatment expenses
AIR POLLUTION
Particulate Matter (PM)

PM is a common proxy
indicator for air pollution.
It affects more people
than any other pollutant.
The major components
of PM are sulfate,
nitrates, ammonia,
sodium chloride, black
carbon,
mineral dust and water. It
consists of a complex
mixture of solid and
Guideline values
liquid particles of organic
and
Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Coarse Particulate Matter (PM10)
inorganic substances 10 μg/m3 annual mean 20 μg/m3 annual mean
suspended in the air. 25 μg/m3 24-hour mean 50 μg/m3 24-hour mean
AIR POLLUTION
Ozone (O3)

Ozone at ground level – not to be confused

with the ozone layer in the upper
atmosphere – is one of the major
constituents of photochemical smog. It is
formed by the reaction with sunlight
(photochemical reaction) of pollutants such
as nitrogen oxides (NOx) from vehicle and
industry emissions and volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) emitted by vehicles,
solvents and industry. As a result, the
highest levels of ozone pollution occur
during periods of sunny weather.

Guideline values
Ozone (O3)
100 μg/m3 8-hour mean
AIR POLLUTION
Photochemical Smog
AIR POLLUTION
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)

NO2 is the main source of nitrate aerosols, which form an important fraction
of PM2.5 and, in the presence of ultraviolet light, of ozone. The major sources
of anthropogenic emissions of NO2 are combustion processes (heating, power
generation, and engines in vehicles and ships).

Guideline values
NO2
40 μg/m3 annual mean
200 μg/m3 1-hour mean
AIR POLLUTION
Sulfur dioxide (SO2)

SO2 is a colorless gas with a sharp odor.

It is produced from the burning of fossil
fuels (coal and oil) and the smelting of
mineral ores that contain sulfur. The
main anthropogenic source of SO2 is
the burning of sulfur-containing fossil
fuels for domestic heating, power
generation and motor vehicles.

Guideline values
SO2
20 μg/m3 24-hour mean
500 μg/m3 10-minute mean
AIR POLLUTION SOURCES
AIR POLLUTION SOURCES
Anthropogenic air pollution sources:

1. Combustion of fossil fuels, like coal and oil for electricity and road
transport, producing air pollutants like nitrogen and sulfur dioxide

2. Emissions from industries and factories, releasing large amount of

carbon monoxide, hydrocarbon, chemicals and organic compounds into
the air

3. Agricultural activities, due to the use of pesticides, insecticides, and

fertilizers that emit harmful chemicals

4. Waste production, mostly because of methane generation in landfills

AIR POLLUTION SCALE

Local
• this concerns the quality of ambient air within a
radius of a few kilometers

Regional
• pollution like acid rain, photochemical reactions
and degradation of water quality at distances of a
few kilometers to a thousand kilometers

Global
• depletion of the ozone layer and global warming
caused by the emission of greenhouse gases,
mainly carbon dioxide (CO2)
AIR QUALITY

HOW IS AIR QUALITY MEASURED?

AIR QUALITY
Air Quality Index (AQI).

With measuring devices using laser-based technologies, chemiluminescence,

flame ionization, etc. These devices are, for instance, located close to the
traffic, far from the traffic and close to industrial zones.
AIR POLLUTION MITIGATION

MUST KNOW POLLUTION SOURCES

AIR POLLUTION MITIGATION

Additional info: under Kyoto Protocol

AIR POLLUTION PREVENTION
1.Renewable fuel and
clean energy production
The most basic solution
for air pollution is to
move away from fossil
fuels, replacing them with
alternative energies like
solar, wind and
geothermal.

2.Energy conservation and efficiency

Producing clean energy is crucial. But equally important is to reduce our
consumption of energy by adopting responsible habits and using more efficient
devices.
AIR POLLUTION PREVENTION
3.Eco-friendly transportation
Shifting to electric vehicles and hydrogen vehicles, and promoting shared
mobility (i.e carpooling, and public transports) could reduce air pollution.

4.Green building
From planning to demolition, green building aims to create
environmentally responsible and resource-efficient structures to reduce
their carbon footprint.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

- refers to the process of systematic analysis, evaluation and

management of the potential environmental and social effects, short-
term and long-term, of proposed actions or projects.

- It is an administrative tool that integrates environmental considerations

in development initiatives to ensure that the proposed projects will have
minimal environmental impacts and be environmentally sound (ADB,
2003).

- When properly implemented, it can serve as basis to improve project

design and implementation through measures that prevent, mitigate
and compensate for adverse environmental impacts.
EA IN THE PHILIPPINES

- In the Philippines, environmental protection is recognized in the 1987

Constitution which stipulates that “The State shall protect and advance the
right of the people to a balance and healthful ecology in accord with the
rhythm and harmony of nature.” Anchored on the principles of sustainable
development, it is the State’s responsibility to ensure that environmental
protection is institutionalized and materialized through assessment
systems and processes.
EA IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Philippines’s policies that embody the protection to the environment

against potential deterioration and damage is institutionalized through the
establishment of the ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) SYSTEM
AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA).

The country’s EIS System is considered one of the most comprehensive

environmental systems in the world. It is even described as “extremely
comprehensive” (Tan 2002 as cited by Tuyor et al., 2007) that does not
merely focus on regulation of industrial pollution but aims at protecting
the entire spectrum of the environment and the rights of the local
communities. However, the environmental assessment in the country is
project-based.
THE PHILIPPINE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
Presidential Decree (PD) 1151 :Philippine Environmental Policy
- Environmental assessment in the Philippines was first conceived in 1977

PD 1151 was established to address the urgent need to formulate an

intensive and integrated program to protect the entire spectrum of the
environment. It stipulates the requirement for an environmental impact
assessments and statements to uphold the State’s policy to

(1) create, develop, maintain and improve conditions under which man
and nature can live in harmony with each other;
(2) fulfil the social, economic and other requirements of present and
future generations; and
(3) Ensure the attainment of an environmental quality that is conducive
to a life of dignity and well-being. Clearly, PD 1511 indicated the
national intent to support an intergenerational responsibility and
achieve sustainable development through environmental
assessment laws.
THE PHILIPPINE ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
The law mandates all national government agencies and instrumentalities,
including government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) as well as
private corporations, firms and entities to prepare and file EIS for any project or
activity that may significantly affect the quality of the environment. The EIS
shall provide detailed statement on:
• the environmental impact of the proposed action, project or
undertaking;
• any adverse environmental effect which cannot be avoided should the
proposal be implemented;
• alternative to the proposed action;
• a determination that the short-term uses of the resources of the
environment are consistent with the maintenance and enhancement
of the long-term productivity of the same; and
• Whenever a proposal involves the use of depletable or non-renewable
resources, a finding must be made that such use and commitment are
warranted.
THE PHILIPPINE EIS SYSTEM
PD 1586 : the law establishing an Environmental Impact Statement
System Including Other Environmental Management Related Measures
and for Other Purposes
- signed on June 11, 1978, strengthened the EIS required under PD
1511 by formalizing the establishment of the Philippine
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System.

• Under Section 4 of PD 1586, the President is empowered to declare

certain projects or areas, by his own initiative or upon the
recommendation of the National Environmental Protection Council, as
“environmentally critical” and prohibits the implementation or operation
of these projects without first securing an Environmental Compliance
Certificate (ECC). Clearly, the law stipulated ECC as a requirement to
conduct environmentally critical projects (ECPs) or operate in
environmentally critical areas (ECAs). On the other hand, for
environmentally non-critical projects, EIS and ECC are not required,
however, they may be required to provide additional environmental
safeguards.
THE PHILIPPINE EIS SYSTEM

• With PD 1586 declaring certain projects and areas as environmentally

critical, Presidential Proclamation (PP) 2146 or the policy “Proclaiming
Certain Areas and Types of Projects as Environmentally Critical and
Within the Scope of the Environmental Impact Statement System
Established Under PD 1586” was issued on December 14, 1981. PP 2146
identified the ECPs, broadly categorized into:
(1) heavy industries;
(2) resource extractive industries; and
(3) infrastructure projects, and ECAs (Table 1).

In addition, PP 803 was signed on June 6, 1996 which identified golf

course projects as environmentally critical.
THE PHILIPPINE EIS SYSTEM
THE PHILIPPINE EIS SYSTEM
EIS IRR

• The implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of PD 1586 are provided in

five issuances
• 1979-1984;
• 1984-1992;
• 1992-1996;
• 1996-2003; and
• 2003-present

which are all geared at rationalizing, streamlining and simplifying the

system. Among these policies, the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources Administrative Orders (DAO) No. 21, series of 1992,
No. 37, series of 1996 and No. 30, series of 2003 are the most relevant
and comprehensive legal pronouncements of the EIS system.
DAO NO. 21 of 1992

• Amending the Revised Rules and Regulations Implementing P.D. 1586

• provides for the comprehensive administrative regulation of EIS which

lodged the issuance of the ECC for ECAs to the DENR Regional Offices.

• In order to effect projects that are beneficial and acceptable to majority

of the stakeholders and to a wider community, one of the key objectives
of the DAO 92-21 is to involve the stakeholders in dialogues and
exchanges of views, information and concerns. The consultations shall
serve as venue to determine social acceptability of projects and bases
for the possible reforms in the EIA System.
DAO NO. 37 of 1996

• Revising DENR Administrative Order No. 21, Series of 1992, to Further

Strengthen the Implementation of the Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) System.

• The underlying principle of the DAO 96-37 is to uphold the balance

between socioeconomic growth and environmental protection. As an
integral part of the EIS System, the AO mandates for public consultations
and participation through the institutionalization of the Multipartite
Monitoring Team System (MMTS). It also embodies social acceptability
and other environmental safeguards.
DAO NO. 30 of 2003

• Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRRS) for the Philippine

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System.

• The DAO 30, series of 2003, was issued in pursuant to the Administrative
Order 42 of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo which intended
to rationalize the implementation of the Philippines EIS System. DAO 03-
30 which superseded DAO 96-37, was established to streamline the
implementation of the EIS System in the country to make it a more
effective planning and management tool.
DAO NO. 30 of 2003

Under DAO 03-30, the scope of the EIS System is based on two factors:

(1) the nature of the project and its potential to cause significant
negative environmental impacts; and
(2) the sensitivity or vulnerability of environmental resources in the
project area.

Similar to its predecessor (DAO 96-37), salient provisions of DAO 03-30

include among others mandates for scoping, public participation, inclusion
of social acceptability in the assessment, environmental carrying capacity
analysis and environmental risk assessment.
DAO NO. 30 of 2003
It further classifies the projects and areas to be covered by the EIS
System into our categories:
Category A
• Environmentally Critical Projects (ECPs) with significant potential to
cause negative environmental impacts;
Category B
• Projects that are not categorized as ECPs, but which may cause
negative environmental impacts because they are located in
Environmentally Critical Areas (ECA’s);
Category C
• Projects intended to directly enhance environmental quality or
address existing environmental problems not falling under Category
A or B.
Category D
• Projects unlikely to cause adverse environmental impacts.
REPUBLIC ACT 8749

• Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999

• An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Air Pollution Control Policy

and for Other Purposes.

• To achieve and maintain clean air that meets the National Air
Quality Guidelines for Criteria Pollutants, throughout the
Philippines, while minimizing the possible associated impacts on
the economy of the Philippines
AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
REPUBLIC
AIR ACT 8749 AND INFORMATION NETWORK
QUALITY MONITORING

The Department shall prepare an annual National Air Quality Status

Report which shall be used as the basis in formulating the
Integrated Air Quality Improvement Framework, as provided for in
Section 7.

The Department, in cooperation with the National Statistical

Coordination Board (NSCB), shall design and develop an information
network for data storage, retrieval and exchange.
REPUBLIC
AIR ACT 8749 AND INFORMATION NETWORK
QUALITY MONITORING

The said report shall include, but shall not be limited to the following:

a) Extent of pollution in the country, per type of pollutant and per

type of source, based on reports of the Department's monitoring
stations;
b) Analysis and evaluation of the current state, trends and
projections of air pollution at the various levels provided herein;
c) Identification of critical areas, activities, or projects which will
need closer monitoring or regulation;
d) Recommendations for necessary executive and legislative action;
and,
e) Other pertinent qualitative and quantitative information
concerning the extent of air pollution and the air quality
performance rating of industries in the country.
REPUBLICAIR
INTEGRATED ACT 8749IMPROVEMENT FRAMEWORK
QUALITY

• The Department shall, within six (6) months after the effectivity of
this Act, establish, with the participation of LGUs, NGOs, POs, the
academe and other concerned entities from the private sector,
formulate and implement the Integrated Air Quality Improvement
Framework for a comprehensive air pollution management and
control program. The framework shall, among others, prescribe
the emission reduction goals using permissible standards, control
strategies and control measures to be undertaken within a
specified time period, including cost-effective use of economic
incentives, management strategies, collective action, and
environmental education and information.
• The Integrated Air Quality Improvement Framework shall be
adopted as the official blueprint with which all government
agencies must comply with to attain and maintain ambient air
quality standards
REPUBLIC
AIR ACT 8749
QUALITY CONTROL ACTION PLAN

• Within six (6) months after the formulation of the framework, the
Department shall, with public participation, formulate and implement an
air quality control action plan consistent with Section 7 of this Act. The
action plan shall:

a) Include enforceable emission limitations and other control

measures, means or techniques, as well as schedules and
timetables for compliance, as may be necessary or appropriate
to meet the applicable requirements of this Act;
b) Provide for the establishment and operation of appropriate
devices, methods, systems and procedures necessary to
monitor, compile and analyze data on ambient air quality;
c) Include a program to provide for the following:
i. enforcement of the measures described in the subparagraph (a);
ii. regulation of the modification and construction of any stationary source
within the areas covered by the plan, in accordance with land use policy to
ensure that ambient air quality standards are achieved;
REPUBLIC
AIR ACT 8749
QUALITY CONTROL ACTION PLAN

d) Contain adequate provisions, consistent with the

provisions of this Act, prohibiting any source or other
types of emissions activity within the country from
emitting any air pollutant in amounts which will
significantly contribute to the nonattainment or will
interfere with the maintenance by the Department of any
such ambient air quality standard required to be included
in the implementation plan to prevent significant
deterioration of air quality or to protect visibility;
e) Include control strategies and control measures to be
undertaken within a specified time period, including cost-
effective use of economic incentives, management
strategies, collection action, and environmental education
and information;
f) Designate airsheds; and
g) All other measures necessary for the effective control and
abatement of air pollution.
REPUBLIC
AIRSHEDS ACT 8749

• Pursuant to Section 8 of this Act, the designation of airsheds shall

be based on, but not limited to, areas with similar climate,
meteorology and topology which affect the interchange and
diffusion of pollutants in the atmosphere, or areas which share
common interest or face similar development programs, prospects
or problems.

• For a more effective air quality management, a system of planning

and coordination shall be established, and a common action plan
shall be formulated for each airshed.
REPUBLIC ACT
MANAGEMENT 8749
OF NONATTAINMENT AREAS

• The Department shall designate areas where specific pollutants

have already exceeded ambient standards as nonattainment areas.
The Department shall prepare and implement a program that will
prohibit new sources of exceeded air pollutant without a
corresponding reduction in existing sources.

• In coordination with other appropriate government agencies, the

LGUs shall prepare and implement a program and other measures
including relocation, whenever necessary, to protect the health
and welfare of residents in the area.
REPUBLIC
AIR ACT 8749
QUALITY CONTROL TECHNIQUES

• Simultaneous with the issuance of the guideline values and standards, the
Department, through the research and development program contained
in this Act and upon consultation with the appropriate advisory
committees, government agencies and LGUs, shall issue, and from time to
time, revise information on air pollution control techniques. Such
information shall include:

a) Best available technology and alternative methods of

prevention, management and control of air pollution
b) Best available technology economically achievable which
shall refer to the technological basis/standards for emission
limits applicable to existing, direct industrial emitters of non-
conventional and toxic pollutants; and
c) Alternative fuels, processes and operating methods which will
result in the elimination or significant reduction of emissions.
REPUBLIC
AMBIENT AIR ACT 8749
QUALITY GUIDELINE VALUES AND STANDARDS

• The Department, in coordination with other concerned agencies,

shall review and/or revise and publish annually a list of hazardous
air pollutants with corresponding ambient guideline values and/or
standard necessary to protect public health and safety, and general
welfare. The initial list and values of the hazardous air pollutants
shall be as follows:
REPUBLIC
AMBIENT AIR ACT 8749
QUALITY GUIDELINE VALUES AND STANDARDS
REPUBLIC
AMBIENT AIR ACT 8749
QUALITY GUIDELINE VALUES AND STANDARDS

Maximum limits represented by ninety-eight percentile (98%) values not

to be exceeded more than once a year.

Arithmetic mean

• SO2 and Suspended Particulate Matter are sampled once every six
days when using the manual methods.
• A minimum of twelve sampling days per quarter or forty-eight
sampling days each year is required for these methods.
• Daily sampling may be done in the future once continuous analyzers
are procured and become available.
• Limits for Total Suspended Particulate Matter with mass median
diameter less than 25-50 µm.
REPUBLIC
AMBIENT AIR ACT 8749
QUALITY GUIDELINE VALUES AND STANDARDS

Annual Geometric Mean

• Provisional limits for Suspended Particulate Matter with mass median

diameter less than 10 microns and below until enough monitoring
data are gathered to base a proper guideline.
• Evaluation of this guideline is carried out for 24-hour averaging time
and averaged over three moving calendar months. The monitored
average value for any three months shall not exceed the guideline
value.
REPUBLIC
AMBIENT AIR ACT 8749
QUALITY GUIDELINE VALUES AND STANDARDS
REPUBLIC
AMBIENT AIR ACT 8749
QUALITY GUIDELINE VALUES AND STANDARDS

• Pertinent ambient standards for Antimony, Arsenic, Cadmium,

Asbestos, Nitric Acid and Sulfuric Acid Mists in the 1978 NPCC Rules
and Regulations may be considered as guides in determining
compliance.
• Ninety-eight percentile (98%) values of 30-minute sampling
measured at 25°C and one atmosphere pressure.
• Other equivalent methods approved by the Department may be
used.
REPUBLIC ACT SYSTEM
EMISSION CHARGE 8749

The Department, in case of industrial dischargers, and the Department of

Transportation and Communications (DOTC), in case of motor vehicle
dischargers, shall, based on environmental techniques, design, impose on
and collect regular emission fees from said dischargers as part of the
emission permitting system or vehicle registration renewal system, as the
case may be. The system shall encourage the industries, and motor vehicles
to abate, reduce, or prevent pollution. The basis of the fees include, but is
not limited to, the volume and toxicity of any emitted pollutant. Industries,
which shall install pollution control devices or retrofit their existing facilities
with mechanisms that reduce pollution shall be entitled to tax incentives
such as but not limited to tax credits and/or accelerated depreciation
deductions.
REPUBLIC
AIR ACT 8749 FUND
QUALITY MANAGEMENT

An Air Quality Management Fund to be administered by the Department as

a special account in the National Treasury is hereby established to finance
containment, removal, and clean-up operations of the Government in air
pollution cases, guarantee restoration of ecosystems and rehabilitate areas
affected by the acts of violators of this Act, to support research,
enforcement and monitoring activities and capabilities of the relevant
agencies, as well as to provide technical assistance to the relevant agencies.
Such fund may likewise be allocated per airshed for the undertakings herein
stated.
REPUBLIC
AIR POLLUTIONACT 8749AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
RESEARCH

The Department, in coordination with the Department of Science and

Technology (DOST), other agencies, the private sector, the academe, NGOs
and POs, shall establish a National Research and Development Program for
the prevention and control of air pollution. The Department shall give
special emphasis to research on and the development of improved methods
having industry-wide application for the prevention and control of air
pollution.
REPUBLICFROM
POLLUTION ACTSTATIONARY
8749 SOURCES

The Department shall, within two (2) years from the effectivity of this Act,
and every two (2) years thereafter, review, or as the need therefor arises,
revise and publish emission standards, to further improve the emission
standards for stationary sources of air pollution. Such emission standards
shall be based on mass rate of emission for all stationary sources of air
pollution based on internationally-accepted standards, but not be limited to,
nor be less stringent than such standards and with the standards set forth in
this section. The standards, whichever is applicable, shall be the limit on the
acceptable level of pollutants emitted from a stationary source for the
protection of the public's health and welfare.
REPUBLIC
BAN ACT 8749
ON INCINERATION

Incineration, hereby defined as the burning of municipal, bio-medical and

hazardous wastes, which process emits poisonous and toxic fumes, is hereby
prohibited: Provided, however, That the prohibition shall not apply to
traditional small-scale method of community/neighborhood sanitation
"siga", traditional, agricultural, cultural, health, and food preparation and
crematoria: Provided, further, That existing incinerators dealing with bio-
medical wastes shall be phased out within three (3) years after the
effectivity of this Act: Provided, finally, That in the interim, such units shall
be limited to the burning of pathological and infectious wastes, and subject
to close monitoring by the Department.
REPUBLICFROM
POLLUTION ACTMOTOR
8749VEHICLES

The DOTC shall implement the emission standards for motor vehicles set
pursuant to and as provided in this Act. To further improve the emission
standards, the Department shall review, revise and publish the standards
every two (2) years, or as the need arises. It shall consider the maximum
limits for all major pollutants to ensure substantial improvement in air
quality for the health, safety and welfare of the general public.
REPUBLICFROM
POLLUTION ACTMOTOR
8749VEHICLES
REPUBLICFROM
POLLUTION ACTMOTOR
8749VEHICLES
REPUBLICFROM
POLLUTION ACTMOTOR
8749VEHICLES

The Department, in collaboration with the DOTC, DTI and LGUs, shall
develop an action plan for the control and management of air pollution from
motor vehicles consistent with the Integrated Air Quality Framework. The
DOTC shall enforce compliance with the emission standards for motor
vehicles set by the Department. The DOTC may deputize other law
enforcement agencies and LGUs for this purpose. To this end, the DOTC shall
have the power to:

a) Inspect and monitor the emissions of motor vehicles;

b) Prohibit or enjoin the use of motor vehicles or a class of motor
vehicles in any area or street at specified times; and
c) Authorize private emission testing centers duly accredited by the
DTI.
REPUBLICFROM
POLLUTION ACTSMOKING
8749

Smoking inside a public building or an enclosed public place including public

vehicles and other means of transport or in any enclosed area outside of
one's private residence, private place of work or any duly designated
smoking area is hereby prohibited under this Act. This provision shall be
implemented by the LGUs.
AIR POLLUTION PREVENTION
The safe level for PM2.5 is 50 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3) of air. Data from
air monitoring stations in 2017 showed alarming figures for air quality in several parts
of Metro Manila such as Quezon City (369 µg/nm), Taft Avenue, Manila (448 µg/nm),
Paranaque (433 µg/nm) and Valenzuela (285 µg/nm). These values ranged from 500
to 900 percent beyond the recommended safe level.
500

450

400

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0
Quezon City Manila Parañaque Valenzuela
Air Quality in µ/cu.m 369 448 433 285
AIR POLLUTION MITIGATION
AIR POLLUTION LOCAL

I. Outdoor Pollution

a. Vehicle Emissions

Vehicle Emissions is one of the largest sources of carbon monoxide. The emissions problem in
the Philippines is compounded by old, inefficient vehicles that continue to ply the streets.

ADB’s air pollution study conducted in 2003 included a recommendation for a pilot program
for retrofitting particulate traps on diesel vehicles. Solving the Philippines’ air pollution
problems would require a host of solutions — jeepney modernization, mandatory phaseout
of old/fuel-inefficient vehicles, incentives for hybrid vehicles, construction of mass transit
systems, strict enforcement of the Clean Air Act, and other regulatory measures related to
non-vehicle sources of air pollution.
AIR POLLUTION LOCAL
I. Outdoor Pollution

a. Vehicle Emissions
Type of Fuel Major Pollutants
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
Carbon Monoxide
Gasoline
Lead (Pb)
Hydrocarbons (HC)
Particulate Matter (PM)
Diesel Sulfur oxide (SOx)
Nitrogen Oxide (NOx)
Particulate Matter (PM)
Carbon Monoxide
Nitrogen Oxide (NOx)
Biomass (wood, charcoal,
Sulfur oxide (SOx)
sawdust)
Hydrocarbons (benzene, phenol, cresol, toluene polyaromatic)
Aldehydes
Acenophthylene
AIR POLLUTION LOCAL
I. Outdoor Pollution

b. Heavy use of coal and fossil fuels

Coal is a major public health hazard. Each stage of the coal life cycle – mining,
transportation, washing, combustion, and disposing of post-combustion wastes – carries
health risks that lead to lung, heart and brain diseases, as well as work-related injuries.
Burning coal affects the environment, human health and wildlife, and is a major
contributor to climate change.

The Philippines continues to be heavily dependent on coal energy. More than one-third of
the energy used to generate electricity in the Philippines comes from burning coal, and
several new coal plants are expected to start commercial operations by 2020. The
Department of Energy (DOE) continues to award new Coal Operating Contracts (COC) for
exploration, with at least 39 new COCs awarded in 2015 alone.
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I. Outdoor Pollution

c. Burning of waste

According to Ochie Tolentino of EcoWaste Coalition, open burning, especially during the dry
and hot season, can cause destructive fires in our communities, while permanently
destroying resources that can be reused, recycled or composted and generating toxic smoke
and ash. Open burning can cause particulate matter pollution, as well as dioxin pollution,
that can trigger illness, especially among young children, the elderly and people with
chemical sensitivities

Due to negative effects on health and the environment, national and local environmental
laws have rightly prohibited the open burning of garbage which the public should adhere to
- namely Republic Act 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act) and Republic Act
8749 (Clean Air Act) as two major environmental laws banning and penalizing open
burning.
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I. Outdoor Pollution

d. Wildfire

While wildfire in the Philippines is not

as prevalent as those in other
countries, the effects of wildfires
from other countries can still be felt
here. Last September 2019, haze from
the forest fires in Indonesia,
enhanced by hanging habagat
(southwest monsoon) eventually
reached Cebu prompting the DENR to
issue a public advisory.
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II. Indoor Pollution

According to a study done by the WHO,

Philippines also ranks second in indoor air
pollution in the Asia Pacific Region. This is
primarily caused by cooking with kerosene
or solid fuels such as wood or coal (uling).
Deaths among women and kids have been
linked to indoor air pollution.
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Republic Act No. 8749, or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999

RA 8749 currently serves as the foundation for the country’s air quality
management. Its goal is to raise awareness about pollution prevention through
programs such as Linis/Ligtas Hangin, coupled with Bantay Tambutso, Bantay
Tsimnea, and Bantay Sunog. The RA also targets to enforce regulatory standards
upon stationary sources of pollution, such as factories and power plants.

RA 8749 encompasses the cooperation of agencies such as the Department of

Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Transportation
and Communication (DOTC), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST),
the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Energy (DOE),
and many others.
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CLIMATE CHANGE

Air pollution is closely linked

to climate change – the main
driver of climate change is
fossil fuel combustion which
is also a major contributor to
air pollution – and efforts to
mitigate one can improve the
other. One such effort to
tackle it is the Paris
Agreement to combat
climate change. Meeting its
goals could save about a
million lives a year
worldwide by 2050 through
reductions in air pollution
alone.
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AMAZON WILDFIRES

more than 100,000 fires recorded in the Amazon rainforest contributed to a large spike in
air pollution, according to the European Space Agency. Pollutants like carbon monoxide,
formaldehyde and aerosols increased as the number of fires grew.
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PARIS AGREEMENT
• ratified on November 4, 2016
• one effort to combat climate change on a global scale.
AIR POLLUTION INTERNATIONAL

KIGALI AMENDMENT AND MONTREAL PROTOCOL

• banning heat-trapping hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in addition to
CFCs.
AIR POLLUTION

CABBAB | ESTRADA | IGNACIO | LACUESTA

MENDOZA | QUIOCHO | RULOMA| YU