Last week’s Air Quality (AQ) showed moderate conditions (AQI 51 – 100) in Akurana, Gampaha, and Battaramulla (Pelawatte) while Nuwara Eliya, Kurunegala, Colombo, Dambulla, Negombo and Ambalantota  showed good (AQI 0-50).
For the next week, the wind flow will be South Westerly from the relatively pristine Southern Indian Ocean at 15 – 20 kmph. Therefore, air quality conditions shall likely remain clean for the next week.

Weekly Air Quality in Selected Towns of Sri Lanka – (1 July – 7 July 2024)

Akurana and Battaramulla(Pelawatte) recorded the highest average weekly AQI of 61. Nuwara Eliya recorded the lowest weekly AQI of 32.

 

Observed fine particulate measurements by the minute for last week

 

Weekly Air Quality in Selected Towns of Sri Lanka – (1 July – 7 July 2024)

The AQ variation at fine temporal scale is show in Akurana, Pelawatte and Colombo for 01st July to 07th July, 2024. The peak values in Akurana was about 130, Pelawatte was about 155, Colombo was about 135.

 

Air Quality impact on human health

 

Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) are generally 2.5 microns and smaller in size. Such particles are inhalable and easily lodges inside the lungs reducing capacity. PM2.5 is a concern for people’s health when levels in the air are high. The levels of risk are shown in the dial shown against the US EPA air quality standards. AQ has a scale that run from 0-500, that tells you how clean or polluted your air is. Each level on the scale corresponds to a different level of health concern.

Access to real- time air quality data from laser air quality sensoring instruments operated by FECT is available at www.cleanair.lk