Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health has instructed all provinces to prepare to open operations centres if the level of PM2.5 dust in the atmosphere exceeds 50 microns for three consecutive days, as more people are suffering from air pollution-related health problems.
According to the ministry, the number of people who have fallen sick as a result of air pollution, caused by PM2.5, has increased from 96,109 last week to 212,674 this week.
Most of them suffer from eye, nose or skin irritation, breathing difficulties, headaches or nausea.
Public Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Opart Karnkawinpong said that any provinces which record PM2.5 exceeding 50 microns for three consecutive days should set up an operations centre and advise people about how to protect themselves.
Samut Songkhram province has already set up its centre, while 23 other provinces are closely monitoring the PM2.5 situation and are ready to set up operations centres when required, said Dr. Opart.
He said people can monitor the air pollution in their localities via the Air4Thai application, should refrain from exercising in open spaces and wear N95 face masks.
The Pollution Control Department, meanwhile, issued a warning that air quality in Bangkok and its suburbs on Friday and Saturday is expected to deteriorate, with the amount of PM2.5 exceeding the standard level.
