Department of Health, March 26 – Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health revealing the situation of PM 2.5 dust in the area of Wiang Phang Kham Subdistrict, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, with a 24-hour average of up to 480 micrograms / cubic meter Which is 9 times higher than the standard value of Thailand and 32 times the recommended value of the World Health Organization, including North-East. The level of dust is dangerous to health. Ask the people in the area to stop burning. and refrain from outside activities ready to wear a dust mask
Dr. Suwanchai Wattanayingcharoenchai Director-General of the Department of Health said that from monitoring the situation of small dust particles on March 26, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., PM 2.5 dust values were found as high as 480 micrograms/cubic meter in the area of Wiang Phang Kham Subdistrict, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province. This is 9 times higher than the average 24-hour standard in Thailand and 32 times higher than the recommendation of the World Health Organization. In addition, 11 other provinces were also found, namely Chiang Rai, Nan, Phayao, Phrae, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Mae Hong Son, Bueng Kan, Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom. has an impact on health (> 91 micrograms/cubic meter), which this week Northern and Northeastern areas Especially the provinces that are adjacent to neighboring countries. There is still a tendency to collect PM 2.5 dust due to stagnant wind. Including burning both in the country and from neighboring countries. which found 25,209 hot spots accumulated in March, resulting in PM 2.5 dust at a level that affects health
Dr. Suwanchai went on to say that The level of such dust In addition to causing symptoms such as burning eyes, itchy eyes, red eyes, skin irritation, coughing, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness. People with heart and respiratory disease will have more severe symptoms and if received in large quantities in the long run Small dust particles PM 2.5 will cause inflammation within the body. to destroy various systems in lung cells cause disease in both the cardiovascular system and blood vessels and long-term cancer
“For information from self-monitoring of people's symptoms through the 4HealthPM2.5 system in the northern region. During March 2023, it was found that 73.2 percent of people had symptoms related to dust exposure, which increased more than January-February 2023, especially in the age group 5-14 years old and the elderly. Take care of your health by 1) reducing the time or refraining from going outside the building unnecessarily. If going outside, wear a dust mask. 2) Refrain from exercising outdoors. Especially at risk groups, including young children, the elderly, those with respiratory and heart disease. 3) Stay in the house, close doors and windows completely. If a dust-free room can be made Keep in a dust-free room. 4) Take care of the health of children, the elderly, and people with congenital disease. Observe symptoms. If there are severe symptoms such as chest tightness and suffocation, seek medical attention. 5) Refrain from burning and help monitor. Prevent burning in the community, ”said the Director-General of the Department of Health. – Thai News Agency
Source: Thai News Agency