Expats How Do You Deal With The Toxic Air Pollution in Thailand?

[Hummin]

1 minute ago, Stocky said:

Yes, August/September we have on occasions caught the smoke from fires in Kalimantan and Sumatra, but a lot has been done to reduce that. Normally the 'haze' doesn't reach further than Penang, but on some years it has stretched as far as Hat Yai, though seldom lasts that long. 

And for now, still rain showers down south, and also Philippines. 

[novacova]

23 hours ago, Mitkof Island said:

Curious how most expats deal with the air pollution in their homes.

First and foremost is to make the house as airtight as possible, windows and doors otherwise air purifiers and pre-filters in the a/c’s will only help a little.

[Gknrd]

I bought an air purifier that works 24/7.  A one way ticket out of that nonsense.

 

[Hummin]

Every year we have to deal with this when the Forrest burn around us. 

 

This is live now. 

 

Seems we are leaving for holiday just at the right time

 

 

 

[TheFishman1]

[Gobbler]

4 hours ago, Hummin said:

But I would worry about mold

 

However if you have constant temperature, and not warm, cool, warm, you might have less risk of mold

 

 

As we've discussed in this article, while an air purifier and a humidifier both work to create a healthier, cleaner environment, they both perform different functions. An air purifier works on removing airborne pollutants from the home, while a humidifier works on adding moisture to the air. 

 

 

 

https://www.eurovent-certification.com/en/category/article/what-is-the-difference-between-an-air-purifier-and-a-humidifier?universe=air-quality-and-ventilation

 

Adding some moisture to your home air is helpful.  I would use both. The AC will remove the water vapor. But we probably spend too much time in air conditioning that is too dry to be healthy.

[rwill]

39 minutes ago, Hummin said:

Every year we have to deal with this when the Forrest burn around us. 

 

This is live now. 

 

Seems we are leaving for holiday just at the right time

 

 

 

By my house in Ratchaburi right now:

 

[Jonathan Swift]

11 hours ago, Neeranam said:

If you get diagnosed with something like Emphysema, you will give a <deleted>. 

And why would that happen? Are you a physician? A lung specialist? So enlighten us. What are the causes of emphysema? There are many causes. As far as pollution, prolonged ozone exposure can contribute to it. Thailand's ozone concentrations aren't enough to cause problems, it's mostly particulate and dust from crop burning. It's not good for you, but it doesn't cause emphysema. If someone already has emphysema then that's a problem, but why would such a person live in a risky place?

[Jonathan Swift]

I live in the subdistrict Makksan, it really never bothers me. I live down a side alley and am a good distance away from any car exhaust. I don't hear any complaints from others. It doesn't get into my apartment. I travel a lot so I get plenty of fresh air on a regular basis. So I suppose it depends on your exact location and whether you're used to living in cities., 

[Jonathan Swift]

1 hour ago, TheFishman1 said:

Ah, that's the new 2025 model. Comes with dress wingtip shoes and optional black tie. 

[NedR69]

Wear a mask when I go outside, even if for ten minutes…wear a mask.  In a car, motorbike, anywhere outside.  Start wearing a mask about 1st week of January and usually by early May the air is better.

 

HEPA filter - I bought a Smart Air HEPA, the Sqair model.

Measuring the indoor PM 2.5 with a handheld detector.

Keep windows and doors closed always.

 

[Hanuman2547]

6 hours ago, FlorC said:

 

Thailand is taking years off my life with the polution and the worries and frustration.

You could opt to move out of Thailand.  That might help reduce the worries and frustration.  Maybe even the pollution depending upon where you move to.

[SiSePuede419]

13 hours ago, Gottfrid said:

Anyway, answer: I just don´t give a s-t.

Weird.  That's what my hiking buddy said about sunscreen back in Arizona.

"I don't worry about it"

After the Late-stage melanoma - the most aggressive form of skin cancer - spread through his bloodstream from its original location to his brain...?

He no longer needed to worry about it.

Bada bing. 😃 ⚰️

[Neeranam]

2 hours ago, Jonathan Swift said:

And why would that happen? Are you a physician? A lung specialist? So enlighten us. What are the causes of emphysema? There are many causes. As far as pollution, prolonged ozone exposure can contribute to it. Thailand's ozone concentrations aren't enough to cause problems, it's mostly particulate and dust from crop burning. It's not good for you, but it doesn't cause emphysema. If someone already has emphysema then that's a problem, but why would such a person live in a risky place?

You misunderstood my post. I have emphysema and care about the air quality. I never said PM2.5 causes it. 

 

Since you ask, a quick google says: - 

Recent epidemiological studies have revealed that PM2. 5 increased the incidence and prevalence of COPD during long-term exposure. Ambient concentrations of PM2. 5 was strongly correlated with lower pulmonary function and increasing emphysema, even at relatively low concentrations

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10086390/#:~:text=Recent epidemiological studies have revealed,COPD during long-term exposure.&text=Ambient concentrations of PM2.,even at relatively low concentrations.

[Faranggupai1]

Make of it what you will...

 

According to the most recent data, fine particulate matter, or PM_2.5, is responsible for nearly 4 million deaths globally from cardiopulmonary illnesses such as heart disease, respiratory infections, chronic lung disease, cancers, preterm births, and other illnesses. There has been increased worry in recent years about the negative impacts of this worldwide danger.

Exposure System Affected Health Effects References

Short term Cardiovascular Increased rates of myocardial infarction and ischemia in those at risk

Exacerbation of cardiac failure [79,80,81]

Respiratory Increased incidence of arrhythmia

Increased incidence of deep vein thrombosis

Increased incidence of stroke

Increased wheeze

Exacerbation of asthma

Exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Bronchiolitis and other respiratory infections

Increased incidence of emergency department visits [82,83,84,85,86]

Long term Cardiovascular Increased rates of myocardial infarction

Accelerated development of atherosclerosis

Increased blood coagulability [87,88,89]

Respiratory Increase in systemic inflammatory markers

Increased incidence of pneumonia

Increased incidence of lung cancer

Impaired lung development in children

Development of new asthma [90,91,92,93,94,95]

Reproductive Increased incidence of preterm birth

Increased incidence of low birth weight [89,93]

Brain Increased risk of Alzheimer’s

Increased risk of Parkinson’s

Increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases

 

[FlorC]

9 hours ago, Hanuman2547 said:

You could opt to move out of Thailand.  That might help reduce the worries and frustration.  Maybe even the pollution depending upon where you move to.

There are no viable alternatives.

[atpeace]

19 hours ago, Thingamabob said:

I spend about two thirds of my time at our home in Bangkok and one third at our place in rural Rayong. I have exercised everyday outside for over 40 years. I have never noticed the pollution in Bangkok, and  I am in good health at 83 yearsof age. So far so good...

Wish I had your pollution fighting genes. I'm in exceptional shape 🙂 but Bangkok pollution wrecks me.  I might be able to do it for a day or two but inevitably the sinuses will start to act up and from there it  usually progresses into at times a hellish experience.  

[atpeace]

15 hours ago, novacova said:

First and foremost is to make the house as airtight as possible, windows and doors otherwise air purifiers and pre-filters in the a/c’s will only help a little.

Really? Air purifiers I use help substantially even with a windows open a crack.  Not ideal but still make a huge difference. Any Thai built house even  with bad insulation would benefit IMO.  Probably be blowing through filters but the aren't too expensive.

[Gottfrid]

10 hours ago, SiSePuede419 said:

Weird.  That's what my hiking buddy said about sunscreen back in Arizona.

"I don't worry about it"

After the Late-stage melanoma - the most aggressive form of skin cancer - spread through his bloodstream from its original location to his brain...?

He no longer needed to worry about it.

Bada bing. 😃 ⚰️

See how easy! Problem solved.

[madone]

woo hoo. 180 at my gaff this am. 

[J Branche]

11 hours ago, NedR69 said:

Wear a mask when I go outside, even if for ten minutes…wear a mask.  In a car, motorbike, anywhere outside.  Start wearing a mask about 1st week of January and usually by early May the air is better.

 

HEPA filter - I bought a Smart Air HEPA, the Sqair model.

Measuring the indoor PM 2.5 with a handheld detector.

Keep windows and doors closed always.

 

Let me know what 2.5 PM Mask you use.

 

I placed the PM detector inside a NIOSH tested and approved for effectiveness mask, closed it around and checked the meter.  Only went down 2 or 3 points.

I know the respirator will work.  But who is going to wear that around outside of work.

 

I think the face mask are not designed effectively or are to thin for any substantial benefit against pollution.

[atpeace]

3 minutes ago, madone said:

woo hoo. 180 at my gaff this am. 

55 just now 🙂 It's coming but not here yet and I hope it is only a month of over 100.  Location matters!  Only 200 meters from Laos and much of the pollution will be coming from there.  Fires here can be put out quickly because it is rocky and not as much to burn.  They actually put many of the fire out if it is spotted in time and they can get water to the location.

[Hanuman2547]

1 hour ago, FlorC said:

There are no viable alternatives.

Yes, there are!  There are other places to live on this planet that have much nicer air to breathe.  If you choose to remain up north, that's on you.  If you are seriously concerned about your health then leave.  

[SiSePuede419]

1 hour ago, Gottfrid said:

See how easy!

Supposedly the brain has no internal nerve endings so you don't feel pain.

I bet he was smug and in denial right up to the end and then it was too late to put on sunscreen.

Easy? 

I hear cancer is very painful way to die. 😧

[Gottfrid]

1 hour ago, SiSePuede419 said:

Supposedly the brain has no internal nerve endings so you don't feel pain.

I bet he was smug and in denial right up to the end and then it was too late to put on sunscreen.

Easy? 

I hear cancer is very painful way to die. 😧

Sure it might be. However, I just posted that I would stand by my decisions and enjoy what I have left the best I can. I don´t understand why you and other have to try to tell me that it´s something wrong about that or anything else. Why not post you own opinions in the thread instead.