Bangkok braces for rising PM2.5 pollution levels
The Centre for Air Pollution Mitigation issued a warning about increasing PM2.5 pollution levels in Bangkok and its vicinity from January 6 to 10. This rise is due to cold air masses from northeastern Thailand, causing stagnant air that traps pollutants.
Information from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) on January 5 identified 490 hotspots across Thailand. These hotspots include 171 in rice fields, 110 in forests, 73 in other agricultural areas, 44 in sugarcane fields, 20 in cornfields, and 72 in other locations.
The 15 provinces with the highest number of hotspots are Lop Buri with 48, Chaiyaphum with 35, Kalasin with 31, Nakhon Sawan with 30, Saraburi with 25, Nakhon Ratchasima with 24, Phetchabun with 18, Kanchanaburi with 18, Chon Buri with 18, Khon Kaen with 17, Prachin Buri with 15, Chiang Rai with 14, Phichit with 13, Maha Sarakham with 13, and Nakhon Nayok with 11.
The centre has coordinated with relevant agencies and provinces to monitor and strictly control burning activities.
The PM2.5 pollution issue, which occurs during the end and beginning of the year, is influenced by meteorological conditions and sources of pollutants. Officials are urging collaboration from all sectors to mitigate pollution at its source, whether in urban areas, agricultural lands, or forests.
This effort aims to reduce the severity of PM2.5 pollution and protect public health, particularly for vulnerable groups like the sick, children, the elderly, and pregnant women, reported KhaoSod.
Residents are encouraged to monitor their health and check air quality before leaving their homes. They can access air quality forecasts and updates via the Air4Thai website and app, as well as the Centre for Air Pollution Mitigation’s social media platforms and related agencies.
In related news, Bangkok and 66 out of 76 provinces in Thailand grappled with hazardous levels of ultrafine dust particles, with Sing Buri facing the most severe pollution.
The alarming situation was highlighted by the GISTDA at 9am on January 5, noting that particulate matter 2.5 micrometres and smaller (PM2.5) had reached harmful levels in five provinces.
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