Bangkok Health Department Warn Parents to Keep Children Indoors Over PM2.5 Air Quality

Due to the excessive levels of PM2.5 dust particles in numerous regions of Bangkok, the Health Department has advised parents to refrain from exposing small children to the outdoors.

Deputy director-general of the health department Dr. Weerawut Imsamran stated that PM2.5 dust is hazardous to the health of all individuals, but particularly infants with respiratory issues, who, if exposed, may develop nasal inflammation, breathing difficulties, or a runny nose.

In addition, he cautioned that extended PM2.5 pollution exposure among young children could have detrimental effects on their cognitive growth and result in severe lung conditions, including lung cancer.

In the interim, Dr. Akarathan Jitnuyanont, director of the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, advises that parents must ensure their young children wear N95 face masks and receive a regular nasal rinse with a saline solution if it becomes necessary to take them outdoors.

Parental guidance also recommends that in the event that their child develops a cough, respiratory difficulties, or chest pain, they promptly consult a physician.

He stated that using air purifiers and closing doors and windows can help reduce dust levels in the residence.

In the preceding twenty-four hours, the Pollution Control Department documented elevated concentrations of PM2.5 in 74 locations throughout Bangkok and its environs. Notably, the Pak Nam sub-district of Samut Prakan and Ma Charoen Phet Kasem 81 Road in the Nong Khaem district contained the highest levels, at 75.7 μg and 72.3 μg, respectively.

In the majority of regions of the western and central provinces, PM2.5 levels are excessive, ranging from 28.8 to 67.5 g. There are excessive PM2.5 levels in five regions in the north-east, six regions in the north, and five regions in the east.

Chachoengsao has the highest detected level of PM2.5 (134.8μg). Following this are Ang Thong, Samut Sakhon, Nonthaburi, Sing Buri, Chon Buri, Pathum Thani, Bangkok, Lop Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Saraburi, Ayutthaya, Samut Prakan, Suphan Buri, and Kanchanaburi. The monitoring of PM2.5 levels with a satellite by the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) has rendered 15 provinces below the Red level, which poses a health risk.

In all regions of Bangkok, PM2.5 levels have risen to the red level, with Bangkok Yai, Thon Buri, Khlong San, Lak Si, Don Mueang, Bangkok Noi, Phasi Charoen, and Phra Nakhon exhibiting the most severe concentrations.