Nationwide air quality readings satisfactory, with little airborne dust

[webfact]

 

By: Namo Vananupong

    

BANGKOK (NNT) - Nationwide air quality readings were satisfactory yesterday (4 Jan), with little accumulation of airborne particulate matter. In Bangkok, the temporary implementation of the Work from Home model at public offices has trimmed the number of cars on the roads and this has contributed to the improved air quality.

 

Nonetheless, the level of PM2.5 airborne dust in Greater Bangkok is expected to rise after mid-January.

Levels of PM2.5 – airborne particulate matter less than 2.5 microns in size – stood either in the ‘Excellent’ or ‘Satisfactory’ categories (blue and green color codes) in Bangkok this morning (4 Jan). ‘Moderate’ (yellow color code) readings were present in just two areas – Khlong Sam Wa and Nong Khaem. PM2.5 readings in the two areas were about 40-41 micrograms per cubic meter.

 

Meanwhile, people who lived or worked near roads in Bangkok’s Phaya Thai district said they have been noticing the shift into the dust season. Although dust levels have yet to peak, the locals said they are taking many precautions to prevent health effects on their bodies.

 

Pollution Control Department Director-General Athapol Charoenshunsa said there is little air movement during this time and dust can easily accumulate. However, the 100% Work from Home order for public sector employees until January 14 has reduced the number of cars on roads and thus dampened the amount of vehicle exhaust, which is a source of PM2.5 dust.

 

Although the levels of airborne dust are satisfactory this week, they are expected to deteriorate continually from the middle of the month until the end of February. Mr. Athapol attributed the cheerless prediction to a longer-than-usual lack of air motion and dust from burning in neighboring countries. The air quality in Bangkok is expected to improve only in March.

 

According to the director-general, air quality readings in the North are expected to exceed various margins from February onward, when smoke haze is also expected. He said a letter has been sent to neighboring countries where hotspots have been increasing to ask for their cooperation in reducing said hotspots and other activities that would contribute to transboundary haze.

 

-- © Copyright NNT 2022-01-05

 

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[jvs]

37 minutes ago, webfact said:

and dust from burning in neighboring countries.

There you go,no burning in Thailand.

You see? Easy as that,the prime minister told some one to

take care of it and the job is done.

Why did they not do this years sooner?

Edited January 5, 2022 by jvs

[Geoffggi]

Excellent, looks as clear as a bell .........................LOL

[realfunster]

1 hour ago, jvs said:

There you go,no burning in Thailand.

You see? Easy as that,the prime minister told some one to

take care of it and the job is done.

Why did they not do this years sooner?

Yes, the usual pathetic blaming of outsiders and lack of responsibility.

 

Having done a couple of trips ‘up-country’ over the holiday period, I can tell you burning is going on quite actively in Thailand ! I like to change my air vents to outside from re-circulate when out of Bangkok, quite often you can’t even see the fires but the smell of rancid smoke hits you in the car.

[chilly07]

Not according to IQAir.

Advised to keep windows closed!

Yellow readings everywhere and fires showing across the country. Just because Bangkok has only one red reading doesn't mean the air is fit to breathe just because Bangkok is not all red. Last 3 days in Jomtien have woken up to acrid smoke and cinders and you can smell the fires starting up in the evening

Edited January 5, 2022 by chilly07

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

Nationwide air quality readings were satisfactory yesterday

Some officials are easily pleased.

[swm59nj]

So the air quality was good for one day.  I guess that means everything is ok.