Air Quality and Easement Regulations in the Philippines

Easements

• Easements wider than 9.00 meters may include a roadway/carriageway component for vehicles to pass or park temporarily.
• Examples of this type of easement include an esplanade.

Air Pollution

• The Philippines needs a comprehensive policy and program for air quality management.

Temporary Permits to Operate Air Pollution Source Installations

• The Bureau issues a Temporary Permit to Operate Air Pollution Source Installations when the installation is new, located in Attainment or Non-Attainment Areas, and intended for Dry Run Operation and Emission Testing.
• To qualify for a Temporary Permit, the installation must be located in Attainment Areas, comply with Emission Standards, and submit complete requirements.
• Compliance needs to be supported with stack sampling data.

National Emission Standard for Source Specific Air Pollutants (NESSAP)

• A source specific air pollutant is emitted from a stack or chimney.

Sick Building Syndrome

• Sick Building Syndrome occurs when building occupants experience health issues like headaches, dizziness, respiratory problems, and irritations in the eyes, nose, or throat without a specific illness being identified.
• Symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome include:
  • Nose and Throat Irritation: Runny nose, sneezing, or sore throat.
  • Dry or Itchy Skin: Skin dryness, rashes, or irritation.
  • Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or lethargy.
  • Dizziness or Nausea: Feeling lightheaded or queasy.
  • Respiratory Issues: Coughing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness.
  • Allergy-like Symptoms: Congestion, itching, and similar to hay fever.
  • Increased Sensitivity to Odors: A heightened reaction to smells, such as perfumes or cleaning chemicals.
  • Biological Contaminants: Mold, mildew, bacteria, and dust mites in HVAC systems or other areas.
  • High Humidity: Humidity above 60% can promote mold growth and contribute to respiratory problems.
  • Temperature Extremes: Poor temperature regulation leading to discomfort.
  • Lighting Issues: Poor lighting quality, flickering lights, or inadequate natural light.
  • Noise Levels: Constant or high noise levels, contributing to stress and fatigue.

Indicators of Sick Building Syndrome

• Symptoms appear or worsen while in the building and improve when leaving.
• Multiple people in the building experience similar symptoms.
• No clear diagnosis or medical condition explains the symptoms.

Air Purifiers

• The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) found that Metro Manila’s Airshed was one of the five dirtiest and most polluted in the world.
• PD 984 is no longer capable of bringing back the air quality of Metro Manila into “GOOD” air quality.
• China’s Institute of Earth Environment have constructed the world’s largest air purifier in the northern city of Xian.

High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters

• HEPA filters remove tiny particles from dust, mold, pollen, bacteria, viruses, and more from the air.
• Thin glass fibers are randomly arranged into a dense, paperlike material that is folded into pleats to create the filter.

What to Look For in an Air Purifier

• Ventilation options include supply-only, exhaust-only, and balanced ventilation.
• Supply-only ventilation draws outdoor air in through fans.
• Exhaust-only ventilation pushes indoor air out through a system of exhaust fan ducts and the building enclosure.
• Balanced ventilation combines both supply and exhaust functions.

Building Envelope

• Maintain Building Envelope: Ensure windows, doors, and walls are properly sealed to prevent outdoor pollutants from entering the building.

Daylighting

• Incorporate natural light sources like skylights and large windows to reduce the reliance on artificial lighting, which can contribute to overheating and poor indoor air quality.

Educating Occupants

• Train building occupants on how to maintain indoor air quality. Encourage them to report HVAC issues, avoid blocking ventilation outlets, and use non-toxic materials in their personal spaces.

Air Curtains

• Air curtains installed at entrances create a barrier of air that helps maintain temperature control and keeps outside contaminants from entering the space while allowing for open-door operation.