By Emmanuel T. Erediano
Variety News Staff

OVER 100 people have complained of respiratory problems believed to be caused by the haze that blanketed the CNMI since Saturday, according to staffers at the Commonwealth Health Center yesterday afternoon.
The patients experienced shortness of breath and were coughing, Variety was told.
On Tinian, three or four people with asthma called the health center requesting masks.
But the health center had a limited supply of masks and residents there were advised to stay at home.
According to the Emergency Management Office, “smoke from fires across Southeast Asia was the major culprit based on aerosol observations and modeling,” and this was aggravated by volcanic haze from Anatahan.
Citing information from the National Weather Service, EMO said wind flow patterns across the North Pacific have carried the smoke from Southeast Asia to the Pacific, and the temperature inversion that helps trap smoke and pollution close to the ground has kept the haze over the islands.
EMO said the wind pattern can be expected to persist until Monday evening.
The Department of Public Health has issued the following advisory for Saipan and Tinian:
• If you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or emphysema, you may notice some shortness of breath. If you are feeling symptoms, you are advised to stay inside. If the problem is severe, you should seek medical care from your private physician or from CHC.
• Children with asthma should remain indoors if they have symptoms. Most children with asthma will not have any symptoms.
• CHC is prepared to handle any increase in patients due to respiratory problems.
Heavy ash-fall is not expected from this event, but should there be unexpected ash accumulation:
• Do not drink water that is contaminated by heavy ash fall.
• Disconnect roof rainwater collection.
• Cover water supply tanks
• Do not drink water with a sulfur taste
• Affected water is safe for cleaning vegetables and fruit. The ash will not harm fruits or vegetables if they are washed thoroughly
• Affected water is safe for washing clothes and showering.
Only under very heavy ash conditions should you take the following precautions:
• If the ash gets thick, cover your mouth and nose. Volcanic ash can irritate your respiratory system. You can use a mask or a simple piece of cloth.
• Keep skin covered to avoid irritation from contact with ash.
• Use goggles if ash fall gets heavy.
• If the ash fall gets more than 1-inch thick, clear roofs of ash: a very heavy ash fall can cause buildings to collapse. Exercise great caution when working on a roof.
• Avoid driving in heavy ash fall. Driving will stir up more ash that can clog engines and stall vehicles.