Thailand’s Department of Medical Services has opened a special online clinic to provide counselling to people who may be having problems with atmospheric dust, as eight areas in and around Bangkok are shrouded in excessive PM2.5 today (Friday).
According to Director of Nopparat Rajathanee Hospital Dr. Kriangkrai Namthaisong in Bangkok’s Khan Na Yao district, which has been designated by the department to provide counselling to the public on the dust problem, members of the public can contact the hospital’s air pollution clinic via its official Line account. They can get updated information about air quality or to seek advice from a doctor in assessing their condition, such as eye or skin irritation, sore throat, cough, chest pain or breathing difficulties, which are thought to be linked to exposure to excessive dust.
According to the doctor, people who work outdoors or in a building which has poor ventilation, is tightly sealed or is without windows are vulnerable to PM2.5 dust.
He suggests that those who work outdoors wear face masks at all times, which can protect them from the dust, and occasionally enter a building for a break. Those working in offices with poor ventilation should finish their work quickly and leave.
He also recommends getting an annual vaccination against flu, especially those who have to work outdoors, such as traffic police and construction workers.
Meanwhile, the Pollution Control Department’s Air4Thai webpage reported eight areas in Bangkok and its surroundings which have PM2.5 dust levels beyond the 50-micron safety limit.
They are:
- Ma Charoen-Phet Kasem 81 Road, in Nong Khaem district
- Maha Chai sub-district in Samut Sakhon
- Paknam sub-district in Samut Prakan
- Phet Kasem Road in Phasi Charoen district
- Tha Phra intersection in Bangkok Yai district
- Lat Krabang Road
- Rama 4 Road in front of Samyan Mitrtown in Pathumwan district
- Din Daeng Road
