Air Pollution From Crop Burning

[lifeincnx]

The air quality is getting worse in the northern provinces, such as Chiang Mai. Being a native of Los Angeles I am all to familiar with bad air quality but we have dramatically improved it here. What is Thailand doing to improve its air quality? An article in the Chiang Mai News seemed to show people have their head in the sand and don't equate crop burning to serious health risks such as lung cancer. That sure sounds like the thinking in Los Angeles, circa 1960.

As I'm relocating to a northern province next month what should I expect regarding air quality this year and next as well as how serious the government plans to work on the problem?

Thanks all.

[bkkjames]

The air quality is getting worse in the northern provinces, such as Chiang Mai. Being a native of Los Angeles I am all to familiar with bad air quality but we have dramatically improved it here. What is Thailand doing to improve its air quality? An article in the Chiang Mai News seemed to show people have their head in the sand and don't equate crop burning to serious health risks such as lung cancer. That sure sounds like the thinking in Los Angeles, circa 1960.

As I'm relocating to a northern province next month what should I expect regarding air quality this year and next as well as how serious the government plans to work on the problem?

Thanks all.

For your first question, the answer is Rain.

For you second, it will get better in a month because of the above. As for the smog, much like what the south experiences from time to time, I believe the smog (smoke - Indonesia) is a result of fires / factories in neighboring countries (China?).

[wasabi]

Head in the sand is the only way to describe the situation. Thai's are doing nothing about the problem which is slowly getting worse. However ironically all the dust and particles in the air help lower the temperature a little within the cities, while simultaneously causing global warming elsewhere.

[jubby]

The Hills are alight around me in the evenings. Maybe a bit more forest encrouchment . Its surprising as I thought there was nothing left to burn.

Anyway, we can only hope for rain. The problem could be easily solved but I can't see Thailand ever taking it seriously.

My Kids have been sick the last few days , also myself. maybe a bit of a bug going round but I do suspect our 'weather' has something to do with it.

Don't want to be too dramatic but I do suspect its helping a few old folks on their way also. Not a big problem if they've done a lot of Tambun and merit making.

I'm not complaining as its a pointless exercise, just making observations

[Soulwy]

When I was in Chiang Rai in March, the air was terrible. I had to flee to Mid and South Thailand.

I am not returning to CRai because of this reason.

What about Chiang Mai? Is the air polluted all year round, or only a few months of the year?

[Priceless]

When I was in Chiang Rai in March, the air was terrible. I had to flee to Mid and South Thailand.

I am not returning to CRai because of this reason.

What about Chiang Mai? Is the air polluted all year round, or only a few months of the year?

This year is the first with regular measurements for Chiang Rai. Judging from this short time period, CR is slightly worse affected than CM. It is also worth noting that the "really bad period" in Chiang Mai this year lasted from about the last week of February to mid-March, i.e. approximately three weeks.

The seasonal variations for some "popular farang areas" can be seen in the first of the following graphs, the longer-term trend for Chiang Mai is shown in the second. Both graphs are based on the daily observations posted by the Pollution Control Department on their website.

I hope this answers your questions

/ Priceless

[zzaa09]

Head in the sand is the only way to describe the situation. Thai's are doing nothing about the problem which is slowly getting worse. However ironically all the dust and particles in the air help lower the temperature a little within the cities, while simultaneously causing global warming elsewhere.

Mindless over consumption and wasteful industrialisation is a primary Western one. Those whom live in glass houses. Very trendy of late to point the finger elsewhere to distract. Repeated over and again, brought to our atthention time again - the promoted stimulus becomes real and true, doesn't it?

[loong]

Sugar cane is easier to harvest if it is burnt first.

As I understand it, this is not allowed in Kanchanaburi (Maybe because nearer to Bangkok)

Here in KhonKaen province the air is black at harvest time.

Environmental damage - they are not interested.