Smog envelops Greater Bangkok

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Smog has enveloped Greater Bangkok again. The pollution department has said that fine dust has reached unsafe levels in 14 areas of Greater Bangkok.

The levels of particulate matter 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter were measured at 45 stations and the readings of 14 stations highlighted unsafe levels ranging from 51 to 64 micrograms per cubic metre of air in the past 24 hours.

The government-decreed safe threshold is 50 mcg.

The worst levels have been found along Phetkasem Road in Phasicharoen district and Charansanitwong Road in Bang Phlad district.

Smog has reached to unsafe level in Kanchanaphisek Road and Rama II Road in Bank Khunthian district, on Din Daeng Road in Din Daeng district, on Rama III- Charoen Krung Road in Bang Kho Laem district, on Rama III Road in Yannawa district, on Soi Nikhom Banphak Rodfai Thonburi 5 in Bangkok Noi District, in Thung Wat Don sub-district of Sathon district, in Thung Song Hong sub-district of Laksi district, and in Bang Sue sub-district of Bang Sue district in Bangkok.

Heavy pollution has also been found in tambon Pak Nam of Muang district and tambon Song Khanong of Phra Pradaeng district in Samut Prakan province and tambon Om Noi of Krathun Baen district in Samut Sakhon province.

The Met office has attributed the pollution to a high-pressure system from China losing its strength, which caused air stagnation, a phenomenon which happens when an air mass remains over an area for a lengthy period.

The smog situation is expected to improve if there is a cold spell.

The Public Health Ministry has cautioned people highly susceptible to hazardous dust particles to avoid direct exposure to the dust.

The ministry has warned small children, pregnant woman and people with chronic diseases. They have been asked to avoid spending long durations outside during this period.

Wearing a face mask is advisable in cases where people have to stay outside for long periods.

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