Pm Counts Hit High Levels As Drought And Increased Hot Spots Contribute To Haze

PM counts hit high levels as drought and increased hot spots contribute to haze

Jedsadapong Wongkiew

The Chiang Mai Provincial Authority has asked for cooperation from all sides to help solve the haze crisis in Chiang Mai. The Pollution Control Department has informed concerned agencies and the general public in the affected areas to be strict on prevention measures, and to restrict burning.

Tharnthip Thong-Ngarmkham, the public relations officer for the Chiang Mai Provincial Authority reported that the Pollution Control Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has reported very high Particulate Matter (PM) levels as a result of drought and increased burning in agriculture and forest fires.

The PM volumes in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lumphun, Lampang and Mae Hong Son were found to be in excess of the standard level of 120 micro, she said, adding that this year’s situation was likely to be as bad as 2007.

Satellite imagery shows an increased number of hotspots due to burning in Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Lampang and Nan provinces. The PM levels in Chiang Rai were measured at 278.2 microgram per cubic meter, and thick smoke has delayed and suspended air flights to Mae Hong Son.

“Haze and smoke from fires has caused road accident, as well as a health hazard. The air pollution is likely to continue for a few more months, so we have asked for the general public to join hands in restricting fires. If anyone sees a fire please inform the Hot Line at Or Sor (volunteers) number 1362, or Por Por Hotline 1784 they are available 24 hours a day.

For more information about the pollution levels in the city, see: www.pcd.go.th

http://chiangmai-mail.com/current/news.shtml#hd6

-- Chiang Mai Mail 2010/03/16

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