4 – 10 Oct 2021

Air quality observations in the Colombo stations showed daily averaged air quality levels above the permissible levels. However, the daily averaged air quality levels specially in the central highlands (Akurana, Digana and Nawalapitiya) were not as polluted as in Colombo.
Moreover, the lowest AQI levels were recorded from Digana station for the 3 rd consecutive week.
An analysis of weekly monitored air quality of some of the most urbanized and industrialized cities in Sri Lanka and a guide to air quality for beginners are presented herewith.

Highlights

Weekly Air Quality in Selected Towns of Sri Lanka
  • Akurana : AQ was considered satisfactory and air pollution posed little risk.
  • Colombo (Bayleaf): AQ was a little more polluted than in other stations.
  • Colombo (Overseas schools) :  AQ was a little more polluted than in other stations.
  • Colombo (USEM) :  AQ was considered satisfactory and air pollution posed little risk.
  • Dambulla :  AQ was considered satisfactory and air pollution posed little risk.
  • Digana : AQ was considered satisfactory and air pollution posed little risk.
  • Gampaha: AQ was considered satisfactory and air pollution posed little risk.
  • Kalawana: AQ was considered satisfactory and air pollution posed little risk.
  • Kandy : No Updates.
  • Kurunegala : No Updates.
  • Nachchaduwa : No Updates.
  • Nawalapitiya :AQ was considered satisfactory and air pollution posed little risk
  • Norochcholai : No Updates.
MONITORING

The table below summarizes the weekly average AQI and the highest daily peak obtained during the week for each station.

Weekly Air Quality in Selected Towns of Sri Lanka

AIR QUALITY BASICS

Air pollution, a widely- talked and argued topic today has been a primary cause of unforeseen climatic changes, many health problems associated with respiratory diseases and ecosystem damage. Vehicular and industrial emissions, dust, burning of fossil fuels, open burning of garbage waste and natural phenomena such as volcanoes, wildfires and pollen contribute to air pollution. Polluted air consists of both particulate matter of fine dimensions and gaseous matter. The presence of these impurities decreases the pureness of the air we breathe.

AQI

United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) has set up a standard to measure the level of air pollution by the following 5 major air pollutants:

  • Ground- level ozone (O3)
  • Particle pollution (PM2.5 and PM10)
  • Carbon monoxide (CO)
  • Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
  • Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)

Particulate matter of diameter less than 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) and diameter less than 10 micrometers (PM10) and gases, ozone, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide have been identified as major air pollutants.

The AQI standard for ozone and particle pollution according to US EPA comprises of six categories. Each category is assigned a specific colour and corresponds to a different level of health concern. As the scale grows the air quality turns from good to extremely unhealthy.

Weekly Air Quality in Selected Towns of Sri Lanka
US EPA air quality index for ozone and fine particulate matter © US EPA

OUR MONITORING

At FECT we have air quality measuring devices stationed at the following locations:

  • Akurana
  • Colombo US Embassy
  • Bayleaf Restaurant- Colombo
  • Digana
  • Kurunegala
  • Nachchaduwa
  • Nawalapitiya
  • Norochcholai

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