Most Thai working people are aware of the health risks posed by PM2.5 airborne pollution but are reluctant to buy quality N95 face masks to protect themselves, claiming that they are too expensive, according to Arkhom Praditsuwan, director general of the Health Service Support Department, on Monday.
The department conducted an online opinion survey of 6,787 working people aged 15 to 59 on their awareness of PM2.5 pollution and its health risks.
The survey shows that 93.31% are aware of the serious health threats posed by PM2.5 pollution, 86.88% know that they may have to stop working and lose income, and 85.88% admit that PM2.5 pollution may disrupt their lives.
However, 51.60% prefer to use private cars or motorcycles to commute to and from work instead of public transport.
The poll also shows that 77.22% of respondents know that N95 masks are effective in protecting against PM2.5 dust but complain that they are too expensive. Meanwhile, 71.22% say they feel uncomfortable and have difficulty breathing when wearing N95 face masks.
Arkhom noted that educating working people about the need to protect themselves and change risky behavior is necessary and urgent.
Meanwhile, the Air Quality Information Centre of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration reported that air quality in 36 areas of Bangkok was below standard, with PM2.5 levels exceeding 37.5 µg/m³, placing the capital 12th on the list of the world’s most polluted cities on Monday.
Cities with worse air pollution than Bangkok include Dhaka in Bangladesh, Delhi in India, Kuwait City in Kuwait, Lahore in Pakistan, Kolkata in India, Tashkent in Uzbekistan, Kabul in Afghanistan, Cairo in Egypt, Beijing in China, Hanoi in Vietnam, and Mumbai in India.
Areas of Bangkok with excessive PM2.5 today are:
1. Lat Krabang, 54.3µg/m³
2. Nong Chok, 53.2µg/m³
3. Nong Khaem, 52.2µg/m³
4. Klong Sam Wa, 51.3µg/m³
5. Bang Khor Laem, 50.9µg/m³
6. Bang Rak, 50.1µg/m³
7. Tawee Wattana, 49.9µg/m³
8. Prawet, 48.3µg/m³
9. Bang Khun Thian, 46.5µg/m³
10. Min Buri, 45.2µg/m³
11. Samphanthawong, 46.1µg/m³
12. Taling Chan, 45.7µg/m³
