The Medical Services Department is advising parents to avoid taking young children outdoors due to the excessive levels of PM2.5 dust in the atmosphere of many areas of Bangkok and its suburbs.

Dr. Weerawut Imsamran, deputy director-general of the department, said that PM2.5 dust affects the health of all people, but especially children with respiratory problems, who may develop breathing difficulties, a runny nose, sore throat or nasal inflammation when exposed.

He also warned that prolonged exposure of small children to PM2.5 pollution may affect their mental development and lead to serious lung diseases and even lung cancer.

Meanwhile, Dr. Akarathan Jitnuyanont, director of the Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, suggests that, if it is necessary to take young children outdoors, parents must make sure that the children wear N95 face masks and are given a nasal rinse with a saline solution on a regular basis.

Parents are also advised to take their children to see a doctor immediately if they develop a cough, breathing difficulties or chest pain.

He said closing doors and windows and using air purifiers can help reduce dust level in the home.

The Pollution Control Department reported excessive PM2.5 in 74 areas of Bangkok and its suburbs in the past 24 hours, with the highest levels being recorded in Pak Nam sub-district of Samut Prakan (75.7 μg) and on Ma Charoen Phet Kasem 81 Road in Nong Khaem district (72.3μg).

Most areas in the central and western provinces also have excessive PM2.5, ranging from 28.8μg to 67.5μg. Five areas in the north-east, six areas in the north and five in the east have excessive PM2.5 levels.

According to Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), which has been monitoring PM2.5 with its satellite, the levels in 15 provinces have reached the Red level, which affects health, with the highest level being detected in Chachoengsao (134.8μg), followed by Ang Thong, Samut Sakhon, Nonthaburi, Sing Buri, Chon Buri, Pathum Thani,, Bangkok, Lop Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Saraburi, Ayutthaya, Samut Prakan, Suphan Buri and Kanchanaburi.

For Bangkok, PM2.5 has reached the Red level in all areas, with the worst being detected in Bangkok Yai, Thon Buri, Khlong San, Lak Si, Don Mueang, Bangkok Noi, Phasi Charoen and Phra Nakhon.