Taipei: Taiwan will experience poorer air quality and visibility from Monday through Thursday due to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) moving in from China, according to the Ministry of Environment (MOENV).

According to Focus Taiwan, the MOENV issued a press statement on Sunday indicating that air quality across Taiwan is expected to range from "moderate to orange" warning levels from Jan. 6 to Jan. 9. An orange warning level signifies that air quality is "unhealthy for sensitive groups," although "the general public is not likely to be affected," as noted on the MOENV's Air Quality Monitoring Network website.

In the press statement, the ministry reported that PM2.5 hourly concentrations of approximately 100-180 micrograms per cubic meter were accumulating above Shanghai and Shandong Province in China on Sunday. These particles are expected to be carried into Taiwan on Monday by a southbound cold air mass, with PM2.5 concentrations measuring 40-50 micrograms per cubic meter anticipated in northern parts of the country.

The particulates are forecasted to move southward with prevailing winds, impacting air quality throughout Taiwan. The World Health Organization has advised in its air quality guidelines that 24-hour average exposures to PM2.5 particulates should not exceed 15 micrograms per cubic meter.

The ministry recommended that during periods of poor air quality, individuals should minimize outdoor activities and wear protective masks if they need to go outside. The MOENV has also alerted local environmental protection bureaus to initiate contingency measures such as enhancing pollution prevention and control at construction sites.

The air quality in areas north of Hsinchu and Miaoli counties is expected to improve from Tuesday, but other regions may continue to face poor conditions until at least Thursday, when another wave of pollution from China could potentially reach Taiwan, the ministry stated.