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