THE concentration of ultrafine dust particles smaller than 2.5 micrometres, known as PM2.5, soared today (Dec. 2) with Bangkok and 14 provinces being placed at the highest red level and 25 provinces in orange category and this beginning to affect health, particularly among risk groups, PPTVHD36 said.
Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat said PM2.5 will continue to rise from the end of the year to the beginning of the New Year with data from Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) at 6 a.m. today showing the pollution had spread to many areas with this starting from Sunday Nov. 30.
As many as 25 provinces are at the orange level with the PM 2.5 dust exceeding 37.6 µg/m³ average over 24 hours.
The pollution jumped to 75 µg/m³ yesterday in Bangkok and four other provinces, shifting them to the red level. It climbed higher in Bangkok and 14 provinces this morning, with the reading at Nong Khaem district being 102.5 µg/m³. The 14 provinces suffering heavy pollution along with Bangkok are Samut Sakhon, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Prakan, Pathum Thani, Chonburi, Chachoengsao, Rayong, Ratchaburi, Chanthaburi, Trat, Prachinburi, Samut Songkhram, and Phetchaburi.
PM2.5 pollution could severely affect the health of the general public and people should check the air quality before leaving home via Air4Thai, AirBKK, Life D, or other pollution applications, and follow the recommendations based on the dust colour code, he said.
When PM 2.5 pollution reaches orange level at-risk groups should limit outdoor activities or strenuous exercise. If this is necessary they must wear a face mask and monitor unusual symptoms.
CAPTIONS:
Above – PM2.5 particulates appear brown and hazy as it shrouds Bangkok’s high rises. File photo – NNT
Insert – Map showing PM2.5 pollution in Thailand. Image – Public Health Ministry
Front Page – Air pollution in Bangkok. File photo – PPTVHD26,
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