The Vehicular Emission Test Trust Fund of the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) has issued a warning about a decline in air quality to a slightly unhealthy level.

The public has been advised to wear face masks whenever possible, while individuals sensitive to air pollution are urged to seek medical attention if they experience breathing difficulties.

The deterioration in air quality is attributed to polluted wind flow from the northern region, influenced by transboundary conditions. This situation is expected to persist for the next several days.

According to the Sri Lanka Air Quality Index (SL AQI), air quality in 12 cities has reached a slightly unhealthy level, while eight cities are experiencing moderate air quality.

Cities recording slightly unhealthy air quality levels include Kandy, Galle, Ratnapura, Embilipitiya, Puttalam, Badulla, Trincomalee, Polonnaruwa, and Anuradhapura.

Meanwhile, moderate air quality levels have been recorded in Kurunegala, Kandy, Kegalle, Nuwara Eliya, Mullaitivu, Batticaloa, Kalutara, and Moneragala.