The Pollution Control Department has pleaded with motorists in Bangkok to switch to public transports to help reduce car emissions and improve air quality in and around Bangkok.

The appeal was made after the department’s monitors of air quality in and around Bangkok this morning showed that the air quality was at a level which “starts oto pose health hazards” with the amount of dust particles hovering in the air increasing.

Air quality readings show particulate of less than PM2.5 exceeding standard level of 50 micron but not up to 90 micron in 20 areas as follows:  roadsides of Kanchanapisek road in Bang Khun Thian district, Bang Na, Klong Chan, Bang Kapi, Din Daeng, Intharapitak road, Lat Phrao road, Din Daeng road, Phya Thai, Plaplachai and Wang Thong Lang district.

Areas outside Bangkok where air quality is bad and poses health hazards include Muang district of Nakhon Pathom province, Bang Kruey district of Nonthaburi province, Klong Luang district of Pathum Thani province, Phra Pradeng, Muang and Bang Sao Thong districts of Samut Prakan province and Muang district of Samut Sakhon.

The department said it had coordinated with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to clean up roads and to spray water into the air which could help reduce the amount of dust particles in the air.

Bangkokians living in the high-risk areas were advised to wear face masks when they venture out of home or buildings.