Free masks given out as haze persists

Chiang Mai records highest PM2.5 levels

Free face masks are being handed out to residents in haze-affected areas of Chiang Mai, one of nine northern provinces in the North where high PM2.5 levels were found to be hazardous to health, provincial authorities say.

Chiang Mai governor Supachai Iamsuwan said public health offices and local administrative organisations in 25 districts were educating people as to how they can take care of their health.

He has also instructed authorities to visit households, particularly those with family members suffering from respiratory illnesses, and give them facial masks.

Community radio networks were also broadcasting messages about the ban imposed on lighting fires in the forests, which has been blamed for worsening the haze problem.

The governor said residents were also asked to do their bid to help ease the dust pollution, such as watering plants more often and washing pavements outside their homes to reduce dust.

In Mae Hong Son, thick haze remained hazardous in many areas. Yesterday, the worst-hit spot was in tambon Jong Kham of Muang district where the PM2.5 level was measured at 233 μg/m³.

Since the onset of the pollution on Feb 28, the haze has forced 44 flights from Mae Hong Son main airport to be grounded and delayed eight flights.

Also yesterday, Pollution Control Department director-general Pralong Damrongthai said yesterday PM2.5 levels in the nine provinces ranged from 90-241 microgrammes per cubic metre of air in the 24 hours to 9am yesterday, surpassing the rated safe threshold of 50 μg/m³.

In Chiang Mai, PM2.5 readings were 241 μg/m³ at tambon Chang Phuak, the highest in the country, 221 μg/m³ at tambon Si Phum, 132 μg/m³ at tambon Suthep, and 134 μg/ m³ at tambon Chang Khoeng, all in Muang district.

In Chiang Rai, the levels of PM2.5 pollutants were 215 μg/m³ at tambon Wiang Phang Kham in Mae Sai district, and 126 μg/m³ at tambon Wiang in Muang district.

The PM2.5 levels in Lampang were 186 μg/m³ at tambon Phra Bat of Muang district, 107 μg/m³ at tambon Sop Pat in Mae Moh district, and 194 μg/m³ at tambon Ban Dong in Mae Moh district.

Elsewhere in the North, PM2.5 readings surpassing the safe threshold were 146 μg/m³ at tambon Nai Wiang in Muang district and 183 μg/ m³ at tambon Huay Kon in Chalerm Phra Kiat district of Nan province; 141 μg/m³ at tambon Na Chak in Muang district of Phrae; 184 μg/m³ at tambon Ban Tom in Muang district of Phayao; and, 90 μg/m³ at tambon Mae Pa in Mae Sot district of Tak.

In the Central Plains provinces, PM2.5 readings were 62 μg/m³ at tambon Pak Nam Pho in Muang district of Nakhon Sawan province; 57 μg/m³ at tambon Na Pha Lan in Chalerm Phra Kiat district of Saraburi; and 64 μg/m³ at tambon Ban Nua in Muang district of Kanchanaburi.

In the Northeast, PM2.5 levels were measured at 118 μg/m³ at tambon Na An in Muang district of Loei province; and, 87 μg/m³ at tambon Nai Muang in Muang district of Khon Kaen.

Mr Pralong said the PCD has asked people to refrain from open-air burning to stem the continued increase of fine dust.

In areas with high levels of PM2.5 pollutants, people should avoid outdoor exercise and activities and wear properly rated masks to protect themselves.

Those suffering from frequent coughing, breathing difficulties or chest pains were advised to seek medical treatment.

People can check the air quality on website air4thai.pcd.go.th and with the air4thai app on their smartphones, he said.