Smog expected to worsen on Monday
With air pollution lingering in Bangkok on Sunday and possibly set to worsen on Monday, the head of the Department of Health expressed concern for the health of people who work outdoors such as street vendors, traffic police, road sweepers and tuk-tuk drivers.
Director-General Dr Panpimol Wipulakorn urged them to wear face masks, shower when they get home and thoroughly wash their clothing.
She advised those with chronic illness to make sure they take their medicine and to see a doctor if abnormal symptoms appear, such as respiratory problems, chest tightness and dizziness.
Panpimol said more advice was available on the agency’s website, www.anamai.moph.go.th.
The Pollution Control Department on Sunday listed 18 locations along roads and nine areas away from main roads with unsafe levels of PM2.5 – airborne particulates smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter.
Based on a Meteorological Department weather forecast, it warned that conditions on Monday would contribute to higher levels of PM2.5.
Agencies and the governors of Bangkok and four neighbouring provinces were implementing measures such as stricter enforcement of vehicle emission rules, road cleaning, water spraying and lowered fees at “park and go” parking lots to promote the use of public transit.