The air quality in Bangkok and its vicinity is still ranked as "unhealthy", despite a reported significant drop in the level of ultra-fine PM2.5 pollutants across the capital Sunday.
As of Sunay, the levels of PM2.5 pollutants exceeded the safety threshold of 50 microgrammes per cubic metre (µg/m³) at 13 roadside air quality monitoring stations and eight other general stations in the city proper, said the Pollution Control Department (PCD).
The highest reading came from a monitoring station on Rama II Road in Samut Sakhon's Muang district, where PM2.5 levels reached 85 µg/m³.
On the previous day, PM2.5 levels in the area hovered around 119 µg/m³, according to the PCD.
Any PM2.5 readings of above 50 µg/m³ are considered unsafe.
By midday Sunday, the level of PM2.5 particles decreased dramatically. Four areas were found to have PM2.5 levels that continue to exceed the safety threshold -- two roadside areas and two general sites, said the PCD.
The department continues to urge people to refrain from burning waste in open pits, avoid using vehicles that emit black smoke, and switch from personal cars to public transport.
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