Air quality unsafe in 18 provinces
Air pollution in 18 provinces hit unsafe levels on Tuesday morning, according to the Pollution Control Department’s Centre for Air Pollution Mitigation.
The 18 provinces are: Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Phrae, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Tak, Phetchabun, Saraburi, Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, Khon Kaen, Roi Et, Chaiyaphum, Ubon Ratchathani and Nakhon Ratchasima.
Readings for particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter (PM2.5) in different regions:
North: 35 to 85 micrograms per cubic metre (μg/m3).
Northeast: 40 to 99μg/m3.
Central and West:13 to 59μg/m3.
East: 14 to 40μg/m3.
South: 5 to 20μg/m3.
However, the air quality in Bangkok and its vicinity is termed moderate to very good with PM2.5 readings at 15 to 43μg/m3.
People in areas where PM2.5 pollution is bad have been advised to monitor their health and reduce time spent on outdoor activities, especially the elderly, children, and patients with respiratory diseases.
The PM2.5 situation in Thailand can be followed via Air4Thai.com and bangkokairquality.com websites, or Air4Thai and AirBKK smartphone applications.