Air pollution at ‘orange level’

Unclear view: Buildings shrouded in haze in Bangkok. — AFP

Air pollution in Bangkok rose to the “orange” level (starting to affect health), signalling the start of the so-called PM2.5 season.

Levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter (PM2.5) ranged from 24.3 to 49.8 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m³) across the city, according to the Pollution Control Department (PCD) on Tuesday .

The PCD reduced the threshold at which PM2.5 levels are considered unsafe from 50 to 37.5μg/m³ in June.

The PCD said the accumulation of PM2.5 in Bangkok was due to higher air pressure leading to poor air circulation.

It forecast the pollution haze will remain at “orange zone” levels for another one or two days.

PCD director-general Pinsak Suraswadi pointed out that PM2.5 pollution intensifies seasonally every year, affecting public health.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan has instructed authorities to prepare mechanisms, data, budgets, regulations and communications to handle this year’s PM2.5 onslaught.

The department is also collaborating with Thammasat University, the Public Health Ministry, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation to predict short-term health impacts of PM2.5 in Bangkok. — The Nation/ANN