Haze: Air pollution levels spike in Phuket
PHUKET: Air pollution spiked to unsafe levels this afternoon due to Indonesian haze, confirmed Pornsri Suthanarak, the director of the Regional Environmental Office.
“Air pollution on the island reached 175 micrograms per cubic meter by 2pm,” Dr Pornsri said. “However, the average level over the last 24 hours is well within the public safety standard of 120, so we have yet to issue a warning.”
Nonetheless, Dr Pornsri suggested that people avoid outdoor activities, especially people who have respiratory problems, as well as children and the elderly.
“The increase was huge. At noon it was only 36.8 micrograms per cubic meter,” Dr Pornsri said.
Last year, Phuket was able to dodge the haze pollution when monsoon winds kept the particles from the island’s shores. However, this year, the haze has descended on Phuket numerous times over the last few months.
— Chutharat Plerin
Join the conversation and have your say on Thailand news published on The Thaiger.
Thaiger Talk is our new Thaiger Community where you can join the discussion on everything happening in Thailand right now.
Please note that articles are not posted to the forum instantly and can take up to 20 min before being visible. Click for more information and the Thaiger Talk Guidelines.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.