Air levels unsafe in 19 provinces
Air pollution in 19 provinces hit unsafe levels on Wednesday morning, the Pollution Control Department reported.
Thailand’s standard for safe levels of PM2.5 (particles less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter) is 50μg/m3 or below.
The 19 provinces are Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Lampang, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Lopburi, Saraburi, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Chachoengsao, Ratchaburi, Chon Buri and Rayong.
Here are some details as of Wednesday morning:
North: PM2.5 readings coming in at 17 to 68 μg/m3.
Northeast: 16 to 38 μg/m3.
Central region and West: 42 to 62 μg/m3.
East: 47 to 65 μg/m3.
South: 11 to 29 μg/m3.
Bangkok and its vicinity: 39 to 80 μg/m3.
People in areas where PM2.5 pollution is bad, especially the elderly, children, and patients with respiratory diseases, have been advised to monitor their health and reduce time spent on outdoor activities.
The PM2.5 situation can be followed on Air4Thai.com and bangkokairquality.com websites, or via Air4Thai and AirBKK smartphone applications.