What appeared to be like morning fog in and around Bangkok this morning was not actually fog but dust particles which pollution control experts said are worsening air quality in and around the metropolitan areas.

The Pollution Control Department said today that the air quality in and around the city was getting worse and would begin to pose health hazards to Bangkokians, especially the elderly, children, pregnant women and patients with respiratory and heart problems.

The department said that the amount of particulate of less than 2.5 microns or PM 2.5 exceeded standard level in the following areas: the roadsides of Kanchanapisek road in Bang Khun Thian district, Bang Kapi district, roadsides of Lat Phrao road in Wang Thong Lang district, Plabpla Chai district, Wang Thong Lang district of Bangkok; Tambonb Nakhon Pathom of Muang district of Nakhon Pahom province, Tambobn Bang Kruey in Nonthaburi, Phra Pradaeng, Bang Sao Thong and Muang district of Samut Prakan province, Tambon Om[-noi of Samut Sakhon and both sides of Rama II road.

People who exercise in the open in these areas are advised to wear N95 face masks for their safety.

The department predicted that the air quality in and around Bangkok on Monday would be at moderate level up to the level that would pose health hazards.