Taipei Air Quality Hits 'Red' Alert; Environmental Protection Bureau Advises Mask Wearing

Central News Agency, Taipei, June 2. The Taipei City Environmental Protection Bureau announced today that air quality in some areas has reached the 'red' level, which is unhealthy for all groups. Similar conditions are expected tomorrow, and the bureau advises citizens to reduce outdoor activities and wear masks when going out. According to the Ministry of Environment's monitoring network, air quality in parts of Taipei turned red this afternoon. The Environmental Protection Bureau immediately issued a press release, stating that it has initiated emergency measures, including inspections of construction sites and restaurants, and roadside checks of motorcycles and diesel vehicles. The bureau explained that due to wind conditions, pollutant dispersion is poor, leading to accumulation, and photochemical reactions in the afternoon have increased ozone levels. This pollution event is expected to last until tonight, and the Ministry of Environment forecasts that air quality may remain poor tomorrow. The bureau reminds citizens to reduce outdoor activities over the next two days, wear masks if necessary, and use public transportation instead of private vehicles. Sensitive groups, the elderly, children, and those with cardiovascular diseases should avoid strenuous outdoor activities.