PCD warns of health risks to Bangkokians

by Apinyia WIPATAYOTIN

The emission of fuel vapours is increasing dramatically in Bangkok,

posing health threats to residents, the Pollution Control Department

(PCD) has found.

The PCD, which is working out a plan to control fuel vapours at petrol

stations in Bangkok and nearby provinces, said that in Din Daeng

district benzene levels increased from 1.15 parts per billion (ppb)

per day in 2004 to 3.32 ppb in 2006. Other areas with increased

emissions in the same period are the Choke Chai 4 area, from 0.66 ppb

to 2.17 ppb, the Chulalongkorn Hospital area, from 0.9 to 2.51 ppb,

and the Ban Somdej area in Thon Buri, from 0.61 to 2.18 ppb.

Benzene emissions are a byproduct of the evaporation and combustion of

petroleum products. According to the World Health Organisation,

benzene is a key pollutant and linked to leukaemia in humans. One ppb

of benzene causes leukaemia in two in 100,000 people, on average.

In Bangkok and nearby cities, a major source of emissions is petrol

stations and fuel stockpiles.

The PCD also warned of excessive ozone, a proven health hazard, at

ground level in several areas of Bangkok and nearby provinces. It

found 162 ppb in Pathum Thani and 157 in Bangkok, against the

acceptable standard of 100.

continued at >

source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/130207_News/13Feb2007_news19.php

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Vapor recovery systems on fuel pumps is a very good idea, especially in areas that are densely populated. Education would also help too. Fueling during the cooler times of the day such as in the morning or evening to help prevent too much volatilization.

and a contradictory report from the local authorities - who to believe?

maybe your own nose and lungs?

i finally went to the dr after fighting a persistent lung problem for 2 weeks 9shortness of breath, flem, coughing etc)

same problem i had about 7 months ago for a few weeks.

she says i have a bit of asthma and now need to use a symbicort turbohaler twice a day - it seems forever - to help keep it under control.

great. hate to think that leavin bkk is a good ideea as i do enjoy life here but it may come to that.

and a contradictory report from the local authorities - who to believe?

maybe your own nose and lungs?

i finally went to the dr after fighting a persistent lung problem for 2 weeks (shortness of breath, flem, coughing etc)

same problem i had about 7 months ago for a few weeks.

she says i have a bit of asthma and now need to use a symbicort turbohaler twice a day - it seems forever - to help keep it under control.

great. hate to think that leavin bkk is a good ideea as i do enjoy life here but it may come to that.

and a contradictory report from the local authorities - who to believe?

maybe your own nose and lungs?