BANGKOK: Bangkok faced fresh air pollution warnings on Friday (Oct 9), with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) reaching the orange category in several areas.
The Bangkok Air Quality Information Centre’s 7am report showed pollution at levels that begin to affect public health.
Although the citywide average was 29.2 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m³), below the standard of 37.5 µg/m³, individual areas experienced serious particle accumulation.
“Yan Nawa district” recorded the capital’s highest reading at 48 µg/m³, while four other districts also exceeded the standard.
Vulnerable people and outdoor workers were urged to remain vigilant and wear protective masks.
Overall air quality at 7am was rated moderate, although readings at individual locations showed concerning “pollution hotspots”, particularly in business areas and along busy routes.
Five districts exceeded the standard of 37.5 µg/m³, entering the “orange category (beginning to affect health)”.
Five highest PM2.5 readings
Yan Nawa: 48.0 µg/m³ (the highest-risk area that morning)
Prawet: 40.4 µg/m³
Khlong Toei: 40.0 µg/m³
Pathum Wan: 39.5 µg/m³
Bang Khun Thian: 38.5 µg/m³
The high rankings of central districts and key transport hubs such as Yan Nawa, Khlong Toei and Pathum Wan reflect heavy morning traffic combined with the onset of still weather, which prevents fine particles from dispersing normally. - The Nation/ANN
