Airborne dust is impacting air quality in some parts of Bangkok, as the city hall is encouraging people in 12 affected areas to avoid outdoor activities.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) today reported higher than standard levels of airborne dust particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers (PM 2.5) at 12 measurement stations within the capital, suggesting an unhealthy amount of air quality.
According to the city hall, PM2.5 exceeded the safety threshold of 50 micrograms per cubic meter in 12 locations, including Phetkasem 81 in Nong Khaem district; Bang Sue District Office; Odeon Circle in Samphanthawong district; in front of Seacon Square shopping mall in Prawet district; Bang Phlat District Office; in front of Lat Krabang Hospital in Lat Krabang District; Khlong Sam Wa District Office; at the entrance of Thonburi Market (Sanam Luang 2) in Thawi Watthana district; by the Bank of Ayutthaya head office in Yannawa district; in front of Samyan Mitrtown shopping mall in Pathumwan district; at Phutthamonthon Sai 1 – Borommaratchachonnani intersection in Taling Chan district; and in front of the Office of the National Economics and Social Development Council in Pom Prap Sattru Phai district.
The city hall said it has a response plan for this year’s haze disaster. It set a target to provide a 3-day air pollution forecast, which can be displayed on the BMA Traffic app and traffic information signage operated by the city’s Traffic and Transportation Department.
The city is to increase the number of air quality measurement stations from 557 locations to 1,000, while conducting exhaust fume tests on cars and trucks more frequently.
The Ministry of Public Health is encouraging the general public to check the latest air quality status before leaving home on the Air4Thai mobile app, or visit the Pollution Control Department’s air4thai.pcd.go.th website.
The app and the website will show the levels of air pollution in color-coded tiers, with the orange tier representing an unhealthy amount of airborne particles, and the red tier representing very unhealthy air quality.
The public is asked to refrain from staying out amidst unhealthy air. They should wear a face mask outside if needed. However, everyone is strongly discouraged to stay outside for a long period of time without appropriate protective gear during the unhealthy air period. – NNT
