Toxic dust levels fell in greater Bangkok on Friday morning, with the worst conditions recorded on Phahon Yothin Road in Bangkok's Bang Khen district.
The Pollution Control Department reported that levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter (PM2.5) ranged from 44 to 83 microgrammes per cubic metre of air in the past 24 hours, compared with 61-93mcg during the previous 24-hour period as of Thursday morning. The safe threshold is set at 50mcg.
Measurements showed hazardous levels of PM2.5 in Bangkok's districts of Bang Khun Thian, Pathumwan, Thon Buri, Wang Tonglang, Din Daeng, Ratchathewi, Samphanthawong, Bang Rak, Bang Kho Laem, Yannawa, Chatuchak, Bang Kapi, Khlong San, Bangkok Noi, Phasicharoen, Bang Khen, Bang Phlad, Sathon, Khlong Toey, Bang Sue, Laksi and Bung Kum.
In adjacent provinces, dangerous levels were reported in Bang Kruai district of Nonthaburi, Krathum Baen and Muang districts of Samut Sakhon, Bang Sao Thong district of Samut Prakan, Khlong Luang district of Pathum Thani, and Muang district of Nakhon Pathom.
All the hazardous levels were in the orange zone of the Pollution Control Department, reflecting levels starting to affect health, not in the red zone of serious health impacts in several areas ason Thursday morning.
Safe levels were detected in Bang Na sub-district of Bang Na district (50mcg), Din Daeng sub-district in Din Daeng district (46mcg) and Phaya Thai sub-district in Phaya Thai district (47mcg) of Bangkok, as well as tambon Talad of Phra Pradaeng district (48mcg) and tambon Pak Nam of Muang district (44mcg) of Samut Prakan province.