Choking Haze Worsens in Chiang Rai, Public Urged to Wear Face Masks

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CHIANG RAI – Thick haze shrouding northern provinces posing a significant risk to residents’ health in the past week shows no sign of abating, the Pollution Control Department says.

A health official said the level of smog particles exceeded maximum safety limits and warned people to take precautions.

People have been urged to wear face masks when they venture outdoors after the level of dust particles surpassed the maximum safety limit of 120 micrograms per cubic metre in certain areas of the province.

Infants, the elderly and those suffering respiratory problems were advised to avoid haze-affected areas.

In Chiang Rai, the level of dust particles yesterday in the Muang district and Mae Sai district, were over the maximum safety limits.

Meanwhile, the Chiang Rai’s Governor  has instructed local authorities in every district to be vigilant about spraying water into the air to reduce the smog.

In Phayao, residents had to wear face masks after the level of dust particles was recorded at 210 μg/cu m in Muang district yesterday.

Oshin Fonthong, president of Wat Soong community in tambon Wieng, said the haze situation continued to worsen despite the rainfall early yesterday morning.

He also asked villagers not to burn garbage or farmland as it will increase the smog particle level.

Meanwhile, in Nan, the haze pollution has eased but dust particles still exceeded the safety limit after the provincial governor ordered authorities to take legal action against those who were found conducting slash-and-burn activities.

Smog also causes poor visibility which affects local transport and tourism. Haze pollution typically blankets the northern provinces between February and April.