Haze problem improving but still at dangerously high levels

[Jonathan Fairfield]

Haze problem improving but still at dangerously high levels

SONGKHLA:-- The southern haze situation has improved thanks to rain and a wind shift, though particulate matter amounts in five provinces still exceed safe levels.

Any reading under 120 micrograms per cubic metre of air is considered safe.

Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department chief Chatchai Phromlert said yesterday the areas with "health affecting" levels of particulate matter of up to 10 microns in size were Songkhla's Hat Yai district (156 mcg), Pattani (139 micrograms), Narathiwat (136 mcg), Satun (128 mcg) and Yala (128 mcg).

He said all relevant agencies were continuing haze reductions efforts in a bid to reduce the effects on people.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Haze-problem-improving-but-still-at-dangerously-hi-30271523.html

-- The Nation 2015-10-25

[tigermonkey]

AGAIN, I SAY THAT THERE IS NO SAFE LEVEL FOR PM10 - and yes I am shouting to any who will listen. IN other contries it is called the "hazard level" or "the danger level", and not the safe level. Most countries declare air to be unsafe above 50 or 80 , and not 120 as in Thailand. If 120 is so safe, why is it killing people, who are young or have respiratory problems.

For example, Australia set the national standard in 26 June, 1998 for PM10 at 50; local territories are responsible for the regulation and enforcement of this standard.

These standards are rapidly changing worldwide. Even China and USA are proposing lowering their hazard level to 70 in the year 2016.

http://www.healtheffects.org/Slides/AnnConf2012/OKeefe-MonAM.pdf

An enormous challenge worldwide, but Thailand is lingering in the deep past.