Smoke And Dust In The Air Expected To Worsen

[ChiangMaiMail]

Smoke and dust in the air expected to worsen

Nopniwat Krailerg

Particulate matter, or minute dust particles in the air, is expected to be higher than the usual in the upcoming dry season, unless residents stop burning. Burning fields and garbage is the biggest cause of smoke covering the area, according to the Office of Chiang Mai Provincial Natural Resources and Environment.

Prayad Annatadej of the Office of Chiang Mai Provincial Natural Resources and Environment announces the high particulate matter in the air around Chiang Mai, Lamphun and Lampang.

A recent survey showed that minute particulate matter was high during early February in Chiang Mai, Lamphun and Lampang Provinces. Prayad Anantadej, of the Natural Resources and Environment Office, said that particulate matter was measured on February 9, and was found to be less than 40-60 microgram per cubic meter.

“But this increased to 60- 80 micrograms per cubic meter, (at medium level) now when compared to the standard level that is not more than 120 micrograms per cubic meter. However, this figure was also less than the figure measured in 2008 and 2009, during the same period in February,” he said.

During February 9-11, 24-26 hot spots were found, areas where burning regularly occurs, in Chiang Mai and neighboring Myanmar, and have caused an excess of dust particles in Lampang (over the standard ) on February 8, 13, and 14 as well as in Lamphun on February 8, and 13.

The Forest Fire Control Unit reported 58 forest fires in January this year, affecting 311 Rai of forest area. February has seen 296 forest fires break out so far, with 1922.5 Rai of forest land burned. Doi Saket had the highest incidences of forest fire, with 73 fires damaging 531.5 Rai. Hod District came in second with 64 fires being reported with 412 Rai affected, and Chormthong District also had 64 fires, with 402 Rai affected.

Wichai Kitmee, acting director of the 16thOffice of Conservation Area Management and chairman of the committee on Chiang Mai forest fires and smoke problems, said this year’s smoke and forest fire problem is expected to be worse than last year.”This year seems to be hotter and drier than usual,” he remarked. He added that the dry weather has caused a large number of easily flammable dried plants in the forest and in agriculture.

Mae Chaem district is reporting as much as 30,000 tons of dried field corn stubble left after harvesting. It is hoped that private companies could buy as much as 10,000 tons for fertilizer production, but this would leave 20,000 tons that will most likely be burned off in the conventional manner.

“If people do not stop burning, this smoke and fire problems will continue and negatively impact Chiang Mai residents. Chiang Mai is located in a shallow valley, and it is usually covered with smoke created in Chiang Mai, Lampang, and Lamphun and nearby country like Myanmar.

“The district that has the worst impact from this air pollution is Saraphi district, in Chiang Mai, which is located in a shallow valley bowl, large numbers of residents report lung problems there, “Wichai concluded.

Residents continue to burn to clear land, despite the worsening air problems.

http://chiangmai-mail.com/current/news.shtml#hd12

-- Chiang Mai Mail 2010/02/23

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