Pollution hits unsafe levels in three areas in Bangkok, vicinity
Air pollution in three areas in and around Bangkok hit unsafe levels on Monday, with PM2.5 readings in the morning coming in at between 29 and 71 micrograms per cubic metre of air (μg/m3), 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, while that of the World Health Organisation is 25μg/m3.
The three areas hit are:
▪︎ Bang Khunthien (71μg/m3)
▪︎ Phra Khanong (51μg/m3)
▪︎ Samut Prakan’s Pak Nam area (54μg/m3)
In other regions of the country, air quality hit unhealthy levels in Chiang Mai, Lampang, Phitsanulok, Tak, Saraburi and Ratchaburi.
In the North, PM2.5 readings came in at between 28 and 90μg/m3, with nine areas exceeding the safe standard.
In the Northeast, the readings were 25 to 35μg/m3, which is considered good overall.
In the Central region and West, PM2.5 readings were between 29 and 68μg/m3, with two areas exceeding the standard.
In the East PM2.5 readings stood at 31 and 43μg/m3, which can be considered moderate, while in the South, the air was very good considering PM2.5 readings came in at 14 to 27μg/m3.
People living in areas where PM2.5 pollution is bad have been advised to monitor their health and stay indoors, especially the elderly, children and patients with respiratory diseases.
The level of PM2.5 pollution in different areas can be followed via the Air4Thai.com website or smartphone app, or via bangkokairquality.com.