Pollution Control Department warns Bangkok and its vicinity to brace for high levels of PM 2.5 dust on Oct 24-25 due to cold winds from China covering the Northeast and Central regions, causing stagnant air and preventing dust from dissipating.
Yesterday (October 23), the Pollution Control Department (PCD) reported the PM 2.5 dust situation, finding that the amount of dust in the country was mostly within the standard range, except for Bangkok and its vicinity. The monitoring station of the Pollution Control Department, in conjunction with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, measured 12.0-38.2 micrograms/cubic meter, exceeding the standard in 1 area, in the Khlong San area.
Pollution Control Department forecasts that from today (24 Oct) to 25 Oct, the PM 2.5 dust situation will likely be high in some areas of Bangkok and its vicinity due to the high air pressure that has begun to cover the Northeastern and Central regions of Thailand, causing the weather to be still and the wind speed to be weak, caus
ing the dust to be unable to disperse during that period. However, from 25-26 Oct 2024, there is a tendency for rain to occur in the area, which will help alleviate the situation.
People in areas where PM 2.5 dust exceeds the standard should reduce the time spent on outdoor activities or use personal protective equipment. If you experience health symptoms, you should consult a doctor.
Bangkok sets dust reduction plan for 50 districts, starting from October 24.
Mr. Ekwaranyu Amrapal, spokesman for Bangkok, revealed that every year, the PM 2.5 dust situation in Bangkok exceeds the standard in many areas between November and March due to the still and overcast weather, which affects the health of the public. To alleviate the severity of the PM 2.5 dust situation and reduce the possible impact on the health of the public, Bangkok has ordered all district offices to start solving the PM 2.5 dust problem in their areas starting from October 24.
By using measures according to the PM 2.5 dust problem solving acti
on plan, consisting of
1. Strictly inspect and detect all types of black smoke vehicles, in conjunction with relevant agencies according to the specified plan.
2. Coordinate with local police stations to direct traffic and strictly enforce no-parking points on main and secondary roads at all times.
3. Publicize to the public to maintain engines, turn off the engine, and reduce the use of private cars.
4. Control business establishments, factories, cement plants, and construction sites in the area to not emit air pollution exceeding the standard value specified by law.
5. Strictly inspect and control the burning of garbage or open burning of all types.
6. Request cooperation from shrines, foundations, and temples to refrain from lighting incense sticks and burning paper, including providing advice and supervision to cremation officers to follow the correct procedures according to academic principles.
7. Increase the frequency of washing and vacuuming roads, spraying trees, leaves, and cleaning bus stops
continuously.
8. Publicize knowledge and provide advice on how to protect health and hygiene from PM 2.5 dust to the public and warn the public to follow the PM 2.5 dust situation via the AIRBKK application and website. If the public finds a source of pollution, they can report it via the Traffy Fondue application 24 hours a day.
Source: Thai News Agency