Smog in North worsens

Pollution Control Department deputy chief Suwan Nanthasarut yesterday told a press conference that this year there were 30 days when the level of particulate matter up to 10 micrometres in size was beyond the safety limit of 120 micrograms per cubic metre. While that was several days less than last year’s figure, the concentration of the dust particles was higher in 2015, he said.

PM10 levels this year peaked at 381mcg in Chiang Rai’s Muang district. Last year’s peak was 324mcg. Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Lamphun, Lampang, Phrae, Nan, Phayao and Tak recorded the highest average amounts of PM10.

Dr Wachira Pengchan, director-general of the Public Health Ministry’s Health Department, said: “The smog is expected to be more severe next year because of the drought. A critical period will be between late January and early February, as it will be the sugar cane harvest period in which almost all farmers – many of whom are from the North – will burn agricultural waste.” 

Wachira said the burning practice accounted for 90 per cent of the problem. The two other major contributing factors are construction projects and the outdoor roasting of meat.

The region’s mountains and pan-shaped valleys and its high-pressure systems trap dust particles. That affects people’s health, especially those with heart problems, respiratory diseases, dermatitis and allergic conjunctivitis. This year 826,247 people were treated for those complaints in the region.