No escaping smog until long-term measures initiated, say experts

[webfact]

No escaping smog until long-term measures initiated, say experts

By Pratch Rujivanarom 
The Nation 

 

 

The smog is here to stay, unless the government puts people’s well-being ahead of economic development and pursues long-term strict pollution control measures, academics warned.
 

Environmental experts said though it was too late now for the authorities to prevent health impacts from the severe current seasonal smog and people have to take care of themselves, all related official agencies needed to get serious about tackling the air pollution problem.

 

They called for a road map to create a Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) and study the pollution-carrying capacity of each area, to prevent the recurrence of smog in the future.

 

Tanapon Phenrat, an environmental researcher at the Faculty of Engineering Naresuan University, said if we want to end the hazardous smog problem for good, every stakeholder, especially the official agencies, must face up to the truth that the serious air pollution problem from very fine dust particulate matter – PM2.5 – has been a threat to the public’s health for a long time. And no one has an idea on the source of these harmful PM2.5.

 

“Even though we can guess the primary sources of air pollution, and many experts have come out with scientific speculations on the possible sources of smog, we have to admit that there is no academic research at all that clearly determines the components of Bangkok’s smog or the extent of each source’s pollution emission amount to the overall pollution in the air,” Tanapon said.

 

He pointed out that as we aim to sustainably solve the air pollution problem, the authorities needed to implement long-term measures to determine the sources of pollution, monitor the emission at each source, and control the pollution emission at the source.

 

“Therefore, all related agencies need to work together to set up a PRTR system to let all stakeholders see a big picture of the real-time situation of pollution generation and emission,” he stressed.

 

“This will make it easier for the pollution control agencies to set out the strategy and enforce legal actions against the major polluters to mitigate air pollution before people get sick.” 

 

 

He also suggested that the authorities should study the carrying capacity of each locality to determine the ability of the area to cope with pollution. The Environmental Impact Assessment consideration process should be reformed to include an examination of the overall environmental impact from every project in the area, not just judging within that specific project. This can prevent pollution problems caused by poor planning.

 

Tanapon saidnsisted that even though his suggestions required many tough measures such as obligating all industries to install PM2.5 measuring devices at every factory chimney, enforcing stricter car fuel standard, or upgrading the safe limit for the pollution emission to international standard, this would be the wiser choice for the country in the long run.

 

“As of now we are equipped with all necessary technologies and legal approaches to implement my suggestions in reality,” he said.

 

“But as executing tough environmental protection measures can slow down investment and economic growth, the government must put the environment and people’s well-being first. In the long term, the country can get much more economic benefit from ensuring a healthy society than only prioritising economic development.”

 

Another leading environmental health expert, Sonthi Kotchawat, said that though air pollution was not new for Bangkok, the authorities had failed to mitigate the problem while public awareness on this issue had overwhelmingly increased. Sonthi said the authorities had no choice but to reform their strategy to fight air pollution.

 

“This year, the people will have to take care of themselves until the end of the smog season, but if the government fails to cope with smog again next year, the people will not just pick up their facemasks and carry on,” Sonthi said.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30363045

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2019-01-28

[ukrules]

26 minutes ago, webfact said:

PM2.5 – has been a threat to the public’s health for a long time. And no one has an idea on the source of these harmful PM2.5.

They don't have a clue where it comes from, I was also wondering about this.

 

The traffic has always been crazy in Bangkok so I doubt it's that.

[djayz]

56 minutes ago, webfact said:

The smog is here to stay, unless the government puts people’s well-being ahead of economic development and pursues long-term strict pollution control measures, academics warned.

I shan't hold my breath waiting then

[MaxYakov]

“This year, the people will have to take care of themselves until the end of the smog season, but if the government fails to cope with smog again next year, the people will not just pick up their facemasks and carry on,” Sonthi said.

 

Oh, yeah? What are they going to do? Most of them aren't wearing face masks even now; and most of those that are are not wearing effective ones. 

 

"Tanapon Phenrat, an environmental researcher at the Faculty of Engineering Naresuan University, said if we want to end the hazardous smog problem for good, every stakeholder, especially the official agencies, must face up to the truth that the serious air pollution problem from very fine dust particulate matter – PM2.5 – has been a threat to the public’s health for a long time. And no one has an idea on the source of these harmful PM2.5."  (my emphasis)

 

That's right! No one has a clue. Does he think that anyone would actually believe this?

 

Here's one study/report on Bangkok air pollution done in 2009:

 

http://www.aaqr.org/files/article/924/12_AAQR-12-11-OA-0305_1741-1754.pdf

Edited January 27, 2019 by MaxYakov

[leeneeds]

The amount of concrete that is  used and Not sealed is part of the problem, I only have to sweep my shed floor to see the amount of particulate, how it is cured, in heat and cold can effect the amount of dusting given off,

diesel emissions mixed in, and we have all seen the belching old pick ups that need to be removed from use, 

last week driving back from Bangkok to Korat as I passed the big golden buddha driving up the long hill pass the cement factory you could plainly see the dust from quarrying on the hill on the opposite side, particulate clouds going ever higher due to the wind,  which was blowing in Bangkok's direction, 

three contributing factors that I see to the problem,

[mok199]

.While other countrys have joined in this war on emissons ,Thailands brilliant minds treat a bad air day like a bad hair day..Either stay indoors or WEAR A HAT...

Edited January 27, 2019 by mok199

[Destiny1990]

Glad that they are taking the problem seriously by spraying water around.

[YetAnother]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

The smog is here to stay, unless the government puts people’s well-being ahead of economic development and pursues long-term strict pollution control measures, academics warned.

all thai governments in recent memory  and likely all future governments, supreme motivator, self interest,  will trump long term greater good every time

[jlwilliamsjr18]

My guess, they know the sources. One is the massive field burnings, the other sources are industrial. But, like making laws on regulating pesticides, the industry makes too much money to take a stand.  Cancer rates are out of control yet no legislation.  Nothing will be done, plain and simple...Profits Rule. 

Edited January 28, 2019 by jlwilliamsjr18

[Lungstib]

30 years ago I came to work with tour groups in Bangkok. After 3 days my eyes would sting and my throat itch and it was quite obvious even then that traffic was the cause. Prior to elevated highways we advised allowing 1 1/2 hours for the taxi trip out to the Don Muang airport. But with a govt dominating all news outlets and little international interference no-one was talking about PM2.5 and poisoning from exhausts. Since then Bangkok has built massive concrete infrastructure which traps more pollution at street level, the number of cars has exploded and the weather has stayed 'tropical' resulting in little or no wind. It seems quite obvious to most of us that 5 million cars can have this detrimental affect and only by getting rid of them will things improve. Now, who is going to win an election in Thailand by banning cars?

[Estrada]

Reminds me of the main cause of smog in London in the 50s, coal fires. In the cold weather with little wind the smog just hung there. Here many people, including some of my neighbours, are cooking on charcoal fires or frying chili. Fried Chili Tear Gas is a main cause of PM2.5 air pollution, as is cooking on Charcoal. When my neighbours are cooking I find it hard to breathe, however, I doubt whether the Government will do anything to stop this main source of pollution. If one looks at the global map of air pollution we can see that currently, the same levels of pollution exist from China, Korea, India, the Gulf States, and onwards to Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The main reason has been open burning of forests, rice paddies and rubbish in land fills. Also the volcanic activity, especially in this region.

The principal components of volcanic gases are water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur either as sulfur dioxide (SO2) (high-temperature volcanic gases) or hydrogen sulfide (H2S) (low-temperature volcanic gases), nitrogen, argon, helium, neon, methane, carbon monoxide and hydrogen. Other compounds detected in volcanic gases are oxygen (meteoric), hydrogen chloride, hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen bromide, nitrogen oxide (NOx), sulfur hexafluoride, carbonyl sulfide, and organic compounds. Exotic trace compounds include mercury, halocarbons (including CFCs), and halogen oxide radicals. The recent volcanic eruption in Indonesia will have additionally emitted Chlorine gas into the atmosphere. On average, volcanos are responsible for 1% of greenhouse gases globally.

 

 

Edited January 28, 2019 by Estrada

[Ossy]

4 hours ago, ukrules said:

They don't have a clue where it comes from, I was also wondering about this.

 

The traffic has always been crazy in Bangkok so I doubt it's that.

Nine'll get you ten, it is the traffic. Too many gas-guzzling, CO2 belching 2.5l (and larger) cars and pickups, carrying only one person . . . there's the problem, for sure.

[Ossy]

3 hours ago, leeneeds said:

as I passed the big golden buddha driving up the long hill

Was he driving on the left or the right? Interested to see whether Buddha himself knows which is lawfully correct.

[MaxLee]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Environmental experts said though it was too late now for the authorities to prevent health impacts from the severe current seasonal smog and people have to take care of themselves

There you have it folks.... wear your masks for the rest of your lives if you wanna live another few years in Thailand

[newnative]

Duh.  Nothing like stating the obvious.  No, it's not going to fix itself.  So, stop talking and start doing.

[Stargeezr]

Ossy, I thought you were talking about LA California, when I read your comment.... Oops

sorry wrong forum. I guess the 10 million plus people in Bangkok with all the old buses, trucks,

and the millions of motorcycles do not help out matters. Been to Bejieng, or any other huge cities lately? Lots of pollution around the world in the cities, even LA or Sydney when the weather pattern traps the bad air in.

Geezer

[Ossy]

Whilst most experts and posters will accept that 'imported' pollution, from agricultural smoke and quarrying (etc., etc.) dust, probably adds to Bangkok's problem, I am convinced that it is largely due to the vast number of private vehicles (3.5 million in 2010 and increasing frighteningly quickly), either racing or crawling along the city's struggling road network and, more often than not, carrying just the driver. A 2 or 3 litre engine, mostly diesel, carrying one person, cannot compare favourably with a bus, of probably 7 litre capacity, carrying 40 or 50 or more people. Public transport, frequent, fast, clean and cheap, has to be the answer when you see just one large vehicle, driving along the same stretch of road as 40 or 50 cars and pickups.

 

London tackled the congestion problem ages ago with the £11.50 congestion charge and it is now about to introduce the so-called T-charge (a pollution charge), of £10 (per day) for each vehicle identified in the city centre.

 

Surely, this would be the answer in Bangkok, too. This report gives the true picture of Bangkok's 'Mission Impossible' pollution problem, unless some brave and proactive government has the balls to make some draconian changes to road use legislation.

 

https://unhabitat.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/GRHS.2013.Case_.Study_.Bangkok.Thailand.pdf

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Tanapon Phenrat, an environmental researcher at the Faculty of Engineering Naresuan University, said if we want to end the hazardous smog problem for good, every stakeholder, especially the official agencies, must face up to the truth that the serious air pollution problem from very fine dust particulate matter – PM2.5 – has been a threat to the public’s health for a long time. And no one has an idea on the source of these harmful PM2.5.

No-one in Thailand that is, has a clue.... end of story !!!!

However the information regarding PM2.5 pollution is out there should they care to look beyond the end of their very stubby noses & seek information from across borders where these pollution issues have been tackled and solved for many years, even decades in some countries!

[Magenta408]

SMOKE!!

[VocalNeal]

Quote

No escaping smog until long-term measures initiated, say experts

 

OR until the wind blows?

[VocalNeal]

55 minutes ago, newnative said:

Duh.  Nothing like stating the obvious.  No, it's not going to fix itself.  So, stop talking and start doing.

 

Yes to the doing but the problem with humans is they will either do the easiest thing or the most profitable thing. Not necessarily the right thing.

 

 

[outsider]

"... road map to create a Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR)... to prevent the recurrence of smog in the future."

 

Lots of conjectures and rhetoric now, but once the weather pattern changes i.e. wind picks up, perhaps with widespread rain etc. the haze will be gone and everything will go back to being same-same, everyone will forget the haze, until it comes around again. I doubt anything will change.

[Bkkthebest]

Quote

PM2.5 – has been a threat to the public’s health for a long time. And no one has an idea on the source of these harmful PM2.5.

 

Why do they not check about land clearing by fire in their own provinces and also of Cambodia? They might find some clues on it.

[bubba45]

People complain every year about early spring in Chiang Mai, and no one ever does anything. And probably no one will in our lifetimes.  Just the way it is in Thailand.  

After I got a really bad case of bronchitis one year in CM, I decided I'd leave every spring.  And so I have.  That case of bronchitis lasted from March until June.  Of course no one can say for sure the CM air was why I got it, but I'd never had it before, and never since.

[sungod]

51 minutes ago, Ossy said:

Whilst most experts and posters will accept that 'imported' pollution, from agricultural smoke and quarrying (etc., etc.) dust, probably adds to Bangkok's problem, I am convinced that it is largely due to the vast number of private vehicles (3.5 million in 2010 and increasing frighteningly quickly), either racing or crawling along the city's struggling road network and, more often than not, carrying just the driver. A 2 or 3 litre engine, mostly diesel, carrying one person, cannot compare favourably with a bus, of probably 7 litre capacity, carrying 40 or 50 or more people. Public transport, frequent, fast, clean and cheap, has to be the answer when you see just one large vehicle, driving along the same stretch of road as 40 or 50 cars and pickups.

 

London tackled the congestion problem ages ago with the £11.50 congestion charge and it is now about to introduce the so-called T-charge (a pollution charge), of £10 (per day) for each vehicle identified in the city centre.

 

Surely, this would be the answer in Bangkok, too. This report gives the true picture of Bangkok's 'Mission Impossible' pollution problem, unless some brave and proactive government has the balls to make some draconian changes to road use legislation.

 

https://unhabitat.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/GRHS.2013.Case_.Study_.Bangkok.Thailand.pdf

Yep, I think a congestion charge would go along way to help. Looking on the bright side, although a little late there are many new train routes being built /introduced that may also go some way. Populist polices such as the '1st car scheme ' they ran here back in 2011 do nothing to help, developing counties should be looking at ways to reduce vehicles in city areas rather than increase them .

[dinsdale]

Who cares. The rich can afford good medical care. If the poor get sick or die so be it. The interests of the rich will always take precedence.????

[BobbyL]

Thai people (including my wife) and their obsession with driving is ridiculous. She works in Asoke, it is ONE stop on the train from our place to her office near Sukhumvit, we have a free shuttle bus service that drops you / picks you up at the station. Guess what, she drives probably 4 days out of 5 and I bet it takes two or three times longer ????

 

This is someone who has lived and studied abroad and actually done pieces of work on things related to this. Baffling. 

[VocalNeal]

29 minutes ago, bubba45 said:

 and no one ever does anything.  T

29 minutes ago, bubba45 said:

I decided I'd leave every spring.  And so I have.

 

So  no one ever does anything? But you did!

[ReMarKable]

6 hours ago, MaxYakov said:

“This year, the people will have to take care of themselves until the end of the smog season, but if the government fails to cope with smog again next year, the people will not just pick up their facemasks and carry on,” Sonthi said.

 

Oh, yeah? What are they going to do? Most of them aren't wearing face masks even now; and most of those that are are not wearing effective ones. 

 

"Tanapon Phenrat, an environmental researcher at the Faculty of Engineering Naresuan University, said if we want to end the hazardous smog problem for good, every stakeholder, especially the official agencies, must face up to the truth that the serious air pollution problem from very fine dust particulate matter – PM2.5 – has been a threat to the public’s health for a long time. And no one has an idea on the source of these harmful PM2.5."  (my emphasis)

 

That's right! No one has a clue. Does he think that anyone would actually believe this?

 

Here's one study/report on Bangkok air pollution done in 2009:

 

http://www.aaqr.org/files/article/924/12_AAQR-12-11-OA-0305_1741-1754.pdf

Skimmed through the article and one of the points that is made is that pollution in Bangkok is worse in the winter and they point to pollution from vehicles and industry as the main causes of air pollution in Bangkok.  Probably not many rice fields to burn in Bangkok.

[Jimdandy]

7 hours ago, webfact said:

The smog is here to stay, unless the government puts people’s well-being ahead of economic development and pursues long-term strict pollution control measures, academics warned.

Do the officials who said just a few weeks ago that something to the effect they did not see the smog as a major issue ever talk to each other?