By Trina A. San Agustin
Variety News Staff

SUNDAY’S haze advisory, due to expire yesterday afternoon, was extended until this morning.
Yesterday, the Guam Environmental Protection Agency, in conjunction with the Guam Homeland Security and National Weather Service, said that the haze would linger over Guam and the Northern Marianas a little longer. (See related story on page 7)
“The Guam EPA, working with the Weather Service, has determined that the advisory should be extended for another day,” said GEPA spokesperson Tammy Andersen.
“We are encouraging residents to stay indoors and take precautions. If you have respiratory ailments, the haze might aggravate them. You are advised to stay indoors. If you are planning outdoor activity, reschedule. If you were going to go running outside, you may want to go to the gym instead,” Andersen said.
The National Weather Service statement indicated that the haze was to increase throughout the day yesterday. NWS officials also believe that the haze may be be blown out of the area by late Monday evening.
“We are still waiting to see what will happen with the haze situation. So keep up to date by checking our Web site for updates,” Andersen said, adding that people with respiratory problems are not the only ones affected by the haze.
“Healthy people may also experience breathing problems and eye or nose irritations. Health risks for those who exercise or are active outdoors may increase due to the presence of the haze,” according to the GEPA advisory.
The effect the haze may have on people depends on the size and composition of the particles in the haze, as well as the level of exposure.
Symptoms of prolonged exposure to the haze include sore throat, persistent cough, burning eyes, wheezing, shortness of breath, sore throat, flu-like symptoms, general lack of energy, tightness in the chest, and chest pain.
The matter that may be in the haze may also trigger asthma or may aggravate certain medical conditions. This is true particularly in children and the elderly.
As of 11 a.m. yesterday, the visibility on Guam, Rota and Tinian was 6 to 7 miles because of the haze.
The NWS special weather statement indicated that north-northeast winds will continue to carry emissions from Anatahan southward through the Marianas.
Marianas residents may notice a sulfurous smell from time to time due to emissions from the Anatahan volcano,” the NWS statement read.