The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has advised the public to take necessary precautions when going outdoors due to deteriorating air quality across the Maldives.

In an advisory issued via 'X 'on Tuesday, HPA urged residents to monitor air quality levels using the online link or the IQAir Visual mobile application and take appropriate measures based on the severity of pollution.

HPA outlined precautionary measures for different air quality levels.

If air quality is at yellow level, sensitive individuals are advised to limit outdoor activities as they may experience respiratory issues.

Those who must go outside should wear N95 or similar protective masks.

The public is also encouraged to keep doors and windows closed and use air purifiers indoors.

At orange level, the general public—especially individuals with respiratory conditions—may experience irritation and breathing difficulties.

If the air quality reaches red level, the risk of adverse health effects, particularly for the heart and lungs, significantly increases for the general public.

Recent data indicates a notable decline in air quality across the Maldives.

On Monday, air quality monitoring at the Maldives National University’s Centre for Maritime Studies campus in Vilimalé recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 159, categorizing it at red level.

Meanwhile, IQAir reported an AQI 115 for the Malé area on Tuesday.

HPA continues to urge residents to take necessary precautions to minimize health risks associated with poor air quality.