Bangkok battles severe PM2.5 pollution, health warnings issued

[snoop1130]

 

Bangkok and several provinces across Thailand are currently grappling with dangerously high levels of PM2.5 particulate matter, exceeding standard pollution values and posing a significant health risk. Bangkok’s Phra Khanong district recorded the highest levels, urging the public to wear masks outdoors at all times for protection.

 

The situation monitored hourly, is a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESRI), the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), the National Research Council, the Pollution Control Department, Kasetsart University, and Chiang Mai University.

 

Data from satellite imagery and applications has revealed that 20 provinces are experiencing orange-level air quality, indicating a detrimental impact on health. Notable examples include Phetchaburi with 74.2 micrograms, Ratchaburi with 71.2 micrograms, and Samut Songkhram with 70.6 micrograms of PM2.5.

 

In Bangkok, 46 districts are affected by poor air quality, with Phra Khanong at 56.5 micrograms, Bang Na at 52.9 micrograms, and Klong Toey at 49.4 micrograms of PM2.5. Some areas are at a yellow level, indicating moderate health effects, including Lak Si, Bang Kapi, Bang Sue, and Wang Thonglang.

 

According to GISTDA, as of yesterday, 197 hotspots were detected nationwide, predominantly in agricultural areas, state-owned enterprise zones, national parks, communities, and conservation forests. Provinces with the most hotspots include Sa Kaeo, Chaiyaphum, and Prachinburi. Neighbouring countries also report significant hotspots, with Cambodia leading at 1,788, followed by Myanmar, Vietnam, and Laos.

 

The Check Dust application forecasts that air quality will remain at unhealthy levels in several areas over the next three hours. The app leverages satellite technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze hourly PM2.5 values across Thailand. This information, combined with data from the Meteorological Department of Thailand and sources of dust, such as hotspots, is presented in an accessible format for users.

 

By Nattapong Westwood

Caption: PHOTO: via thejakartapost

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2024-01-29

 

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[flyingtlger]

I can't breath.....

 

[hotchilli]

Maybe The Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt  should move aside and allow someone with a solution take over.

[brewsterbudgen]

Rinse and repeat...

[John Drake]

AQI 160+ and 170+ all across Bangkok and the suburbs this morning. SOS. Same ole <deleted>.

[brianthainess]

Koh Chang, Blue skies and cool breeze 25c, have a nice day all. 

[brewsterbudgen]

21 minutes ago, brianthainess said:

Koh Chang, Blue skies and cool breeze 25c, have a nice day all. 

This is the Bangkok News forum.  

[brianthainess]

5 minutes ago, brewsterbudgen said:

This is the Bangkok News forum.  

OK sorry have a bad day then.

[brewsterbudgen]

3 minutes ago, brianthainess said:

OK sorry have a bad day then.

Thanks. It's not too bad where I live (Rayong).

[PETERTHEEATER]

Move the seat of Government to Chiengmai. I hear forest fires are down by nearly 80% this year.😋

[Poilu]

4 hours ago, John Drake said:

AQI 160+ and 170+ all across Bangkok and the suburbs this morning. SOS. Same ole <deleted>.

A PM2.5 reading of 193 this morning in upper Nonthaburi province!

[Emdog]

This morning AQI for Bangkok: 156 (I live there part time). Then checked for Jomtien; 156. Some sort of prize for matching? I think safe to not blame auto pollution for the high numbers. Half of Jomtien area happens to be the sea.

 

[Chris Daley]

The air quality is disgusting where I am now.  There are major factories.  They pump out smoke all day long.  The ones with the huge industrial chimneys.  The smell is terrible. 

 

This is the first time in seven years that I have a seen a new aircon unit covered in black soot on the inside of the house.

[Amethyst]

6 hours ago, John Drake said:

AQI 160+ and 170+ all across Bangkok and the suburbs this morning. SOS. Same ole <deleted>.

 

Lots of unhealthy/red readings in BKK as of Tuesday afternoon:

 

 

https://aqicn.org/station/thailand/bangkok/chulalongkorn-hospital/

 

 

[tomazbodner]

The success of government's clean air act has left me breathless...