Phuket air pollution leaps to unhealthy levels

PHUKET: Air pollution in Phuket jumped to unhealthy levels today, following two days of rain watering down the haze that has settled over the island.

“The 24-hour average by 5am this morning was 121 micrograms [PM10] per cubic meter, which is above safe levels,” explained Pornsri Suthanarak, director of the Regional Environmental Office.

Dr Pornsri suggested that people avoid outdoor activities, especially people who have respiratory problems, as well as children and the elderly.

“We know that May to October is the dry season in Indonesia, which is when the fires start. I think the conditions will start improving once the rains come,” she said.

— Kongleaphy Keam