THE public has been warned to be careful as the concentration PM.2.5, which are tiny particulate matter that can dangerously clog lungs, is spiking from today Dec. 20 till Dec. 26 in many parts of the country, especially Bangkok and its vicinity, due to stagnant air, TV Channel said this afternoon.
The Air Pollution Control Communication Centre of the Pollution Control Department said PM2.5 pollution started rising in many areas from 7 a.m. today reaching the orange alert level.
The highest readings were: Northern Thailand (4.8-36.4 µg/m³), Northeastern Thailand (20.4-60.5 µg/m³), Central and Western Thailand (22.1-45.0 µg/m³), Eastern Thailand (12.8-30.8 µg/m³), Southern Thailand (8.0-25.3 µg/m³), and Bangkok and its surrounding areas (25.4-57.8 µg/m³).
The Energy Policy and Planning Office warned that Bangkok and its neighbouring provinces as well as many other areas, particularly the Northeast and Central regions, require close monitoring. This is due to a moderate cold air mass covering upper Thailand, creating a “lid-like” effect with air staying stagnant and sinking and particulate matter unable to disperse.
The public was requested to refrain from burning waste of any kind and use public transportation to reduce traffic volume on the road during the next few days to mitigate the severity of the pollution and impact on health.
Vulnerable groups such as patients, children, the elderly and pregnant women, should be extra careful and reduce outdoor activities, and should it be necessary to go out wear a face mask.
CAPTION:
Heavy PM2.5 toxic dust pollution in Bangkok. Above photo – Amarin TV, Front Page photo – PPTVHD36
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