Addressing PM2.5 Pollution in Bangkok

The rising PM2.5 pollution levels in several areas have prompted the establishment of an Emergency Operations Center to mitigate public health risks. Authorities are urging vulnerable groups to avoid outdoor activities.

Preparedness and Monitoring
Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, stated that the Emergency Operations Center for PM2.5 Pollution has been set up to handle health risks. Data from health surveillance revealed that illnesses related to PM2.5 peak between December and March annually, with the highest cases reported in Bangkok and its surrounding areas.

According to the Pollution Control Department (PCD) report on January 13, PM2.5 levels across most parts of the country were within standard limits (not exceeding 50 µg/m³). However, areas in Bangkok and Tak Province showed levels above the threshold.

Sources of PM2.5
Key sources include vehicle exhaust, cigarette smoke, waste burning, grass burning, and industrial emissions. PM2.5 particles, due to their small size, can bypass nasal filters, reaching the lungs and bloodstream, causing significant health effects.

Three Measures to Combat PM2.5
The Ministry of Public Health aims to reduce PM2.5-related illnesses by integrating efforts across sectors under three key strategies:

1. Enhancing localized pollution management.
2. Preventing and reducing pollution at its source.
3. Improving overall pollution management efficiency.

Vulnerable Groups
High-risk individuals include children, the elderly, pregnant women, traffic police, public transport drivers, street cleaners, and those with the following conditions:

    1.Cardiovascular diseases.

    2.Respiratory disorders.

    3.Skin inflammation.

    4.Eye inflammation.

To reduce exposure, it is recommended to wear N95 masks or masks with carbon filters when outdoors. Symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, palpitations, or eye irritation require immediate medical attention.

Monitoring and Response
Dr. Hansa Raksakom, Director of the Occupational and Environmental Diseases Bureau, highlighted the importance of the Occupational and Environmental Disease Control Act (2019) in monitoring and controlling PM2.5-related illnesses. Areas with unusually high patient numbers trigger investigations and rapid responses from local disease control units.

Top 10 PM2.5 Hotspots in Bangkok

1.Nong Khaem District – 55.4 µg/m³

2.Phasi Charoen District – 49.7 µg/m³

3.Chatuchak District – 48.9 µg/m³

4.Lat Krabang District – 47.4 µg/m³

5.Nong Chok District – 47.3 µg/m³

6.Bangkok Noi District – 47.1 µg/m³

7.Thawi Watthana District – 47.0 µg/m³

8.Bang Khun Thian District – 45.3 µg/m³

9.Nong Chok Garden – 45.2 µg/m³

10.Khlong Sam Wa District – 45.0 µg/m³

Weather Conditions and Outlook
From January 18–26, poor ventilation and surface-level inversions are expected to limit air dispersion, leading to increased PM2.5 levels until January 24. Conditions are projected to improve slightly on January 25–26 as ventilation improves.

Source

ThaiHealth News