Thread: Excessive PM2.5 dust detected in 43 areas of Bangkok on Friday

Air quality in 43 areas in Bangkok on Friday has fallen below the standard level, to the extent that it can adversely affect health, due to a high level of PM2.5 dust in the atmosphere, measuring between 36 and 74 microns (against the standard level of 50 microns).


The Air Quality Information Centre of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said that the amount of PM2.5 dust is forecast to increase again tomorrow and on February 1stand 2nd, due to poor air circulation, especially in central Bangkok, the northern and southern parts of Thon Buri.


Areas where PM2.5 measured more than 60 microns today,between 5am and 7am:


• Kat Krabang, in front of Lat Krabang Hospital, 74 microns
• Nong Khaem, at Ma Charoen-Phet Kasem 81 Road, 71 microns
• Nong Chok, in front of Nong Chok district office, 69 microns
• Yan Nawa, near the Bank of Ayudhya head office, 66 microns
• Khlong Sam Wa, in the Khlong Sam Wa district office, 64 microns
• Bang Khen, in the Bang Khen district office, 62 microns
• Pathum Wan, at Sam Yan Mitrtown mall, 60 microns
• Min Buri, at Rama IX Park, 60 microns

Excessive PM2.5 dust detected in 43 areas of Bangkok on Friday | Thai PBS World : The latest Thai news in English, News Headlines, World News and News Broadcasts in both Thai and English. We bring Thailand to the world

NIDA Expert Warns of Heightened PM2.5 Levels in Bangkok Until End of Month

Bangkok is forecast to experience a resurgence of PM2.5 dust from now until the end of the month. An environmental chemistry expert at the National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) has expressed the view that volatile weather in Thailand is compounding the dust situation.


Prof. Siwatt Pongpiachan, director of NIDA’s Center for Research & Development for Disaster Prevention & Management, said meteorological factors are the controlling factors for PM2.5 concentrations. He explained that regardless of whether dust sources increase or remain the same, meteorological conditions favoring the accumulation of dust would result in high levels of airborne particulate matter. He noted there is little rain at the end and beginning of the year and this means dust in the atmosphere is not washed away. Meanwhile, the lack of winds during this same period exacerbates the impacts of farm stubble burning.


For Bangkok, Dr. Siwatt said wind speeds change from day to day and PM2.5 levels vary depending on the wind speed. This means PM2.5 airborne dust is not swept away at the same rate each day despite dust sources in Bangkok remaining the same.


Dr. Siwatt suggested the government establish standard thresholds for cancer-causing substances in the atmosphere and in PM2.5 dust. These would also include determining the heavy metal content in the air, aside from the lead content. He noted Thailand is lacking these analyses, which would enable the public to be informed. He added that cancer-causing substances and heavy metals directly impact everybody who breathes in the air.

NIDA Expert Warns of Heightened PM2.5 Levels in Bangkok Until End of Month

Originally Posted by misskit

Kat Krabang, in front of Lat Krabang Hospital, 74 microns

Just what sick folks entering a hospital don't need.