People living in Bangkok have been advised to suspend out-door activities, to go outdoors only if necessary and to wear face masks all the time while they are outdoors, as the amount of PM2.5 in 58 areas in Bangkok and surrounding provinces has exceeded the 50-micron safety level, reaching as high as 70-90 microns in at least ten areas.
According to the Air4Thai website today, air quality in Bangkok and its peripherals ranges from good to bad, with the amount of PM2.5 in the atmosphere being measured at between 37 and 90 microns at 7am this morning (Monday), with Charunsanitwong Road, where PM2.5 particulate has risen to 90 microns, being especially badly affected.
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has instructed officials in all districts in Bangkok to step up checks of excessive emissions from automobiles, construction sites that spew dust into the air and emissions from factories.
City Permanent Secretary Silpasuey Raveesaengsoon said today that the city administration will launch a public campaign to urge motorists to reduce the use of their vehicles and to usepublic transport, to reduce exhaust emissions.
Burning of waste in the open is banned and city officials will increase water spraying to reduce dust on roads, trees and in the air.
She said that the public can access real-time reports about air quality via www.bangkokairquality.com, www.prbangkok.com, www.air4bangkok.com or AirBKK application.
Elderly people, children, those with chronic diseases and others at risk are advised to stay indoors and leave home only if necessary and to wear face masks all the time if they are outdoors, said Silpasuey.
Pollution Control Department Director-General Atthaphol Charoenchansa told Thai PBS today that air quality in Bangkok and adjacent areas has deteriorated for five days in a row, due to a lack of wind and accumulated traffic congestion as most people return to work today after the long weekend.
He hinted that, if the situation does not improve in the next couple of days, tighter measures may be introduced, such as car use restrictions and a truck ban in the worst-affected areas, adding that the National Environment Committee will be consulted about further action, if the situation does not improve.
The areas with excessive PM2.5 today are:
Charunsanitwong Road in Bang Phlad district – 90 microns
Din Daeng Road in Din Daeng district - 84 microns
Thon Buri Rodfai housing unit 5 Road in Bangkok Noi district - 76 microns
Samsen Road in Phra Nakhon district - 75 microns
Rama 5 Road in Dusit district - 74 microns
Srinakharin Road in Prawet district - 73 microns
Tambon Paknam in Muang district of Samut Prakan province - 72 microns
Tambon Khlong Goom in Bung Goom district - 71 microns
Rama 2 Road in Bang Khun Thian district - 71 microns
Chom Thong district – 70 microns
The Centre to Solve Air Pollution said that air quality is expected to improve considerably on Wednesday, as temperatures rise and air circulation improves, with rain in some areas.
