Chiang Mai chokes as world’s most polluted city again

Chiang Mai’s municipal area has the worst air pollution of any major city in the world today, according to the IQAir website.

Chiang Mai’s air quality index (AQI) at 7am surged to 191, topping the list of the world’s ten most polluted cities:

1. Chiang Mai, 191
2. Kuwait City, 181
3. Lahore, 181
4. Hanoi, 179
5. Dhaka, 158
6. Wuhan, 157
7. Riyadh, 157
8. Baghdad, 152
9. Dubai, 152
10. Kabul, 151

The Air Pollution Response Communication Centre reported at 7am today that PM2.5 levels exceeded acceptable limits in 50 provinces, with the worst levels recorded in the North, ranging from 48.7–228.3µg/m³.

The five areas with the worst PM2.5 pollution are:

1. Muang Na sub-district in Muang district of Chiang Mai, 228.3µg/m³
2. Wiang Tai sub-district in Pai district of Mae Hong Son, 225.0µg/m³
3. Wiang sub-district in Chiang Khong district of Chiang Rai, 182.7µg/m³
4. Wiang Phang Kham sub-district in Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai, 163.7µg/m³
5. Li sub-district in Li district of Lamphun, 160.0µg/m³

In Bangkok, the Air Quality Information Centre of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration reported today that PM2.5 levels exceeded acceptable limits in 18 areas of the capital, with the highest levels recorded in Nong Chok and Bang Khun Thian districts.

The 12 areas in the capital with the highest PM2.5 levels are:

1. Nong Chok, 45µg/m³
2. Bang Khun Thian, 44.9µg/m³
3. Bang Kho Laem, 44.2µg/m³
4. Lat Krabang, 43.8µg/m³
5. Ratchathewi, 43.5µg/m³
6. Wang Thonglang, 42.1µg/m³
7. Khlong Toei, 42.1µg/m³
8. Lak Si, 41.3µg/m³
9. Sathon, 41µg/m³
10. Prawet, 39.5µg/m³
11. Samphanthawong, 39.2µg/m³
12. Pathum Wan, 38µg/m³