Air quality to stay good until tomorrow, PM2.5 rises in February
The health ministry predicts that air quality will remain good until tomorrow, with PM2.5 levels expected to return by early February. Residents are advised to prepare for potential pollution, particularly when engaging in outdoor activities and should monitor air quality levels regularly.
Yesterday, January 28, at the Ministry of Public Health’s Health Information Centre, Doctor Warat Chotipitayasunont, the government spokesperson on PM2.5 air pollution issues, provided a daily update on the air quality situation. He stated that PM2.5 levels were very good or in the blue range in six provinces: Surin, Sa Kaeo, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Nayok, Suphan Buri, and Bueng Kan.
Additionally, 41 provinces were in the green good level, and 22 provinces were in the yellow moderate level. PM2.5 levels that begin to have an impact exceed 37.5 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³), with seven provinces in the orange category, namely Trat, Sukhothai, Phetchaburi, Rayong, Mae Hong Son, and Nakhon Pathom, but none in the red level.
Today’s better air quality is attributed to winds dispersing the particulate matter, allowing residents to enjoy fresh air briefly without masks. However, forecasts suggest this good air will persist for only one to two days, after which PM2.5 levels may rise due to changing wind patterns by the end of the month, continuing into early February. Residents are advised to prepare accordingly.
Doctor Warat also mentioned that while there are no red level areas, outdoor activities and exercise can be enjoyed. However, in orange areas, residents should check air quality periodically and adjust exercise times accordingly, wearing masks when necessary.
He further recommended continuous monitoring of air quality levels, especially in areas like Bangkok and Sukhothai, which have shifted from red to orange levels. Residents should observe any health impacts such as skin or eye irritation.
Deputy Director of the Digital Health Office, Doctor Natthanin Sethavanit, discussed the use of applications like Mor Prom and LINE for PM2.5 monitoring.
With 26.6 million registered users on Mor Prom and 15.9 million on LINE OA, these platforms offer communication on PM2.5 situations, health impact alerts, risk communication, health education, and online pollution clinic consultations. They also facilitate advance booking for pollution clinic services, reported KhaoSod.
Currently, over 11.3 million people have been informed about pollution management, with clinics available in 106 hospitals, including regional and general hospitals. Non-risk areas remain closed, but alerts will be issued to open services in case of elevated risk.
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