YANGON, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's Yangon is experiencing high air pollution, with air quality varying between 50 and 200 air quality index (AQI), U Hla Tun, director of the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, told Xinhua on Wednesday, adding that levels reaching 200 are considered unhealthy.
Pollution levels rise in the morning and evening due to heavy use of transportation, he said.
Air pollution from vehicle emissions, trash burning, and wildfires is a growing concern. In addition, frequent power outages in Yangon have forced industries to rely on generators, further increasing air pollution, he said.
Due to air pollution, respiratory diseases can be suffered, especially by the elderly, children, and people with tuberculosis, he added.
The vulnerable groups should stay indoors during high pollution periods and wear masks when going outside, U Hla Tun said, calling on the public to be aware of the pollution.
People in Yangon have shared their concerns about the worsening air quality, pointing to daily activities that contribute to pollution.
Yamin, a 26-year-old from Thaketa township, said that people burn trash and smoke repelling to reduce mosquito bites, worsening air quality.
"I feel dust in the air, and our furniture gets dusty faster than before. We cannot breathe fresh air like in the past," she added. ■