Chiang Mai air most polluted

Chiang Mai air most polluted

Thick toxic dust in downtown Chiang Mai on Sunday. (Photo by Jeff Moynihan)
Thick toxic dust in downtown Chiang Mai on Sunday. (Photo by Jeff Moynihan)

The PM2.5 levels were found to be high and hazardous to health in nine northern provinces on Saturday, with Chiang Mai the hardest hit, Pollution Control Department director-general Pralong Damrongthai said on Sunday.

Mr Pralong said PM2.5 levels in these provinces ranged from 90-241 microgrammes per cubic metre of air in the 24 hours to 9am Sunday, surpassing the rated safe treshold of 50 μg/m³.

In Chiang Mai, PM2.5 readings were 241 μg/m³ at tambon Chang Phuak, the highest in the country, 221 μg/m³ at tambon Si Phum, 132 μg/m³ at tambon Suthep and 134 μg/m³ at tambon Chang Khoeng, all in  Muang district.

In Chiang Rai, the levels of PM2.5 pollutants were 215 μg/m³ at tambon Wiang Phang Kham in Mae Sai district, and 126 μg/m³ at tambon Wiang in  Muang district.

The PM2.5 levels in Lampang were 186 μg/m³ at tambon Phra Bat of Muang district, 107 μg/m³ at tambon Sop Pat in Mae Moh district, and 194 μg/m³ at tambon Ban Dong in Mae Moh district.

Elsewhere in the North, PM2.5 readings surpassing the safe treshold were 233 μg/m³ at tambon Chong Kham in Muang district of Mae Hong Son; 146 μg/m³ at tambon Nai Wiang in Muang district and 183 μg/m³ at tambon Huay Kon in Chalerm Phra Kiat district of Nan province; 141 μg/m³ at tambon Na Chak in Muang district of Phrae; 184 μg/m³ at tambon Ban Tom in Muang district of Phayao; and, 90 μg/m³ at tambon Mae Pa in Mae Sot district of Tak.

In the Central, the PM2.5 readings were 62 μg/m³ at tambon Pak Nam Pho in Muang district of Nakhon Sawan province; 57 μg/m³ at tambon Na Pha Lan in Chalerm Phra Kiat district of Saraburi; and 64 μg/m³ at tambon Ban Nua in Muang district of Kanchanaburi.

In the Northeast, the PM2.5 levels were measured 118 μg/m³ at tambon Na An in Muang district of Loei province; and, 87 μg/m³ at tambon Nai Muang in Muang district of Khon Kaen.

Mr Pralong said the PCD has asked the people to cooperate by refraining from open-air burning to stem the continued increase of fine dust.

In areas with high levels of PM2.5 pollutants, people should avoid outdoor exercise and activities and wear properly rated masks to protect themselves from inhaling the fine dust.

Those sufferring from frequent coughing, breathing difficulties or chest pains were advised to seek medical treatment.

People can check the air quality on website air4thai.pcd.go.th and with the air4thai app, he added.

Smog blankets Muang district of Phayao province on Saturday. (Photo by Saiarun Pinaduang)

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