Bracing through the haze might be proving to be a herculean task for the inhabitants of the capital city of Bangkok, as 21 of its 50 districts reported PM2.5 levels hovering at figures higher than the safety standard of 37.5 μg/m³ on a recent Thursday. Classified as an “orange” threat level, such a concentration of PM2.5 in the atmosphere could potentially unleash a host of health problems.
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Air Quality Information Centre painted the city orange as it reported the abovementioned PM2.5 level in 21 vital districts of the metropolis – Bang Rak, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok Yai, Bang Phlat, Bueng Kum, Chatuchak, Klong San, Klong Sam Wa, Klong Toei, Lat Krabang, Nong Khaem, Pathum Wan, Prawet, Sathon, Thawee Wattana, Thonburi, Wang Thong Lang, Yan Nawa, and Samphanthawong. Measurements of PM2.5 ranged from 38.4 and 53.3 mcg per cubic metre in those districts, painting a grim picture of the air quality.
On the other hand, the Centre for Air Pollution Mitigation offered a breath of fresh air, sharing data on regions with cleaner air. They reported the PM2.5 levels in the North, East, and South regions depicted a ‘green’ or good air quality with readings being 7.3-26.8, 15.9-31.5, and 5.9-15.9 micrograms per cubic metre respectively.
However, things took a downturn with the northeast region, the central and the western belts, and 25 areas of Bangkok and its environs witnessing PM2.5 levels that exceeded the accepted standards, creating areas of concern.
Adding another layer to the clouds of worry, the Thailand Meteorological Department shared that stagnant air movement in the capital exacerbated the PM2.5 situation, resulting in the cityscape clouded with these harmful particles.
People grappling with health issues are advised to limit outdoor activities, especially in areas where PM2.5 levels are soaring.
In an attempt to keep the city dwellers informed, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Environment Department took to diverse platforms, like the official website (www.airbkk.com), mobile application AirBKK, BMA Facebook page, Line Alert, and the official Line account @airbangkok to share critical information on the city’s air quality.
A smaller by-product of the atmospheric particulates, PM2.5, is micro-fine particles with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometers, approximately thrice the thickness of human hair. These PM2.5 pollutants pose health risks when they reach unhealthy levels, as they could cause breathing difficulties and raise the risk of health ailments like heart disease and asthma.
Tracing their origins to both indoor and outdoor sources, these pollutants can be attributed to vehicle exhausts, wood burning, fuels, and fires, in outdoor settings. According to the U.S Department of Health, outdoor pollution levels could shoot up on days with poor air mixing or little to no wind. Indoors, the usual suspects are tobacco smoke, broiled or fried food, burning of candles or oil lamps, fireplaces, and fuel-burning heaters.
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