Health
People Fall Sick From PM2.5 Pollution in Thailand
As more people suffer from air pollution-related health problems, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has instructed all provinces to prepare to open operations centers if the level of PM2.5 pollution in the atmosphere exceeds 50 microns for three consecutive days.
The number of people who have become ill as a result of air pollution caused by PM2.5 has risen from 96,109 last week to 212,674 this week, according to the ministry.
The majority of them have eye, nose, or skin irritation, breathing difficulties, headaches, or nausea.
Dr. Opart Karnkawinpong, Permanent Secretary of Public Health, stated that any province with PM2.5 levels exceeding 50 microns for three consecutive days should establish an operations center and educate residents on how to protect themselves.
Dr. Opart stated that Samut Songkhram province has already established its center, while 23 other provinces are closely monitoring the PM2.5 situation and are prepared to set up operations centers if necessary.
He advised people to use the Air4Thai application to monitor air pollution in their areas, to avoid exercising in open spaces, and to wear N95 face masks.
Meanwhile, the Pollution Control Department has issued a warning that air quality in Bangkok and its suburbs is expected to deteriorate on Friday and Saturday, with PM2.5 levels exceeding the standard level.
Unsafe PM2.5 dust pollution levels in 23 provinces
On Tuesday morning, PM2.5 dust levels exceeded the safe limit of 50 microgrammes per cubic metre (g/m3) in 23 provinces across the country, according to the Pollution Control Department.
The 23 provinces were Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, Phayao, Lampang, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Sa Kaeo, Rayong and Khon Kaen.
As of 7 a.m., PM2.5 levels in the North ranged from 20 to 73 g/m3, in the Northeast from 27 to 57 g/m3, in the Central Plains and West from 31 to 83 g/m3, in the East from 25 to 64 g/m3, and in the South from 7 to 24 g/m3.
PM2.5 levels in Bangkok and neighboring provinces ranged from 41 to 81 g/m3.
People are advised to limit their outdoor activities in areas with dangerous levels of PM2.5 dust and to wear protective gear as needed.
Reports on air pollution can be found on the websites Air4Thai.com and AirBKK.com, as well as on the Air4Thai and AirBKK apps.
