World · Sri Lanka Bureau
Colombo ranks fourth in national air pollution levels
Colombo's air quality has deteriorated to hazardous levels, registering as the country's fourth most polluted city. Real-time monitoring data shows the capital struggling with air quality concerns as northern regions face even worse pollution.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
Colombo recorded an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 102 on Tuesday morning, placing it fourth among Sri Lankan cities experiencing significant air pollution, according to data published by environmental monitoring service IQAir at 10:30 a.m.
The northern city of Jaffna topped the pollution rankings with an AQI of 142, while Puttalam recorded 119 and Anuradhapura registered 115. These readings indicate unhealthy air quality levels across multiple regions of the island.
An AQI reading above 100 is considered unhealthy for the general population, with prolonged exposure potentially affecting respiratory and cardiovascular health. The elevated pollution levels in Colombo and other urban centers have raised concerns about air quality management and environmental protection measures.
The variation in pollution levels across different cities suggests localized factors may be contributing to air quality deterioration, including traffic emissions, industrial activity, and geographic conditions that affect air circulation. Environmental authorities have not yet issued specific advisories regarding the current pollution levels.