Health Hazard As Indonesian Smog Blankets Satun

[george]

Health hazard as Indonesian smog blankets Satun

SATUN: -- Thailand's southern Andaman Sea coastal province of Satun on Sunday remained covered by a blanket of smog, believed to be caused by forest fires in nearby Indonesia.

The provincial public health authorities warned the public to suspend regular outdoor exercise to avoid excessive breathing of the toxins in the atmosphere.

Satun residents have reported reduced visibility for several days since thick layers of smoke and fog enveloped all areas of the province, especially in the afternoons.

Locals believe the smog originated with forest fires in Indonesia and was carried into the province by the prevailing winds. It has become equally hazardous for ships at sea and for highway traffic, they said, saying the the local trawling fleet has been affected.

Abnormally unhealthy air quality and concerns regarding potential hazards from breathing the air prompted local health officials to announce the warnings to local residents, especially those suffering from allergies.

Persons with pre-esisting conditions were advised to avoid outdoor exercise and activities alike, as their illnesses could worsen.

--TNA 2006-07-02

[george]

Indonesian forest fire smog envelopes southern Thailand

PATTANI: -- Smog from forest fires in Indonesia has moved across the south now including Pattani on the Gulf of Thailand, Mr. Faisol Kasetkala, head of the provincial disaster prevention and mitigation office said Tuesday.

However, the density of smog enveloping Pattani is less than that in Satun, on Thailand's Andaman Sea coast, which has been blanketed by thick smog since last week.

Smog in Satun is at high enough levels to be a health hazard, as it can affect the human respiratory system, but the smoke and fog in Pattani simply caused day long cloudiness, Mr. Faisol said.

Trawlers operating out of Pattani have been warned of possible problems related to reduced sunshine and visibility, he said.

Mr. Faisol said the Indonesian forest fire phenomenon emerged earlier this year than in previous years, which he said might be due to the La Nina phenomenon.

--TNA 2006-07-04