Red Alert Issued as Air Pollution Reaches Dangerous Levels

Air quality in parts of the Maldives has deteriorated to levels considered dangerous for all residents, prompting health authorities to issue red alerts in Kaafu and Dhaalu atolls.

According to data from the air quality monitoring system installed at the Maldives National University’s Centre for Maritime Studies campus in Villimalé, pollution levels in the Malé area have reached the red alert category. An air quality index reading between 151 and 200 triggers a red alert, indicating that air pollution poses a serious risk to everyone.

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) said air pollution levels have worsened across the country in recent days. In addition to red alerts in parts of Kaafu and Dhaalu atolls, orange and yellow alerts have been issued for other regions.

Pollution tracking applications show air quality levels in several areas are high enough to adversely affect the heart and lungs. The conditions pose an increased risk to people with existing lung and heart diseases.

Air quality in the Maldives typically reaches its lowest levels between December and March each year. Authorities attribute this seasonal decline mainly to smoke and dust affecting the region.

Health officials advised infants, children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with lung diseases, heart conditions or allergies to take extra precautions when outdoors. Limiting outdoor activities and seeking medical advice if symptoms worsen were among the recommendations.

Air pollution is considered the largest environmental health risk globally and a major cause of premature death and disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) has linked exposure to air pollution to conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, systemic inflammation, Alzheimer’s disease, and dementia.

Medical research shows both short-term and long-term exposure to polluted air can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, reduced immune response and genetic changes in cells. These effects harm multiple organs, including the lungs, heart and brain, increasing the risk of chronic disease.