Ultrafine Dust Levels Declared Unsafe Across Bangkok and Beyond
On Monday morning, levels of ultrafine dust were rated unsafe throughout Bangkok and in 66 out of 76 provinces, with Sing Buri experiencing the worst pollution. The situation has raised significant health concerns for residents in affected areas.
PM2.5 Levels Reported at Harmful Thresholds
According to the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (Gistda), particulate matter measuring 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter (PM2.5) reached harmful (red) levels in five provinces as of 9 AM. The highest concentration recorded was 85.6 micrograms per cubic meter of air over a 24-hour period in Sing Buri province.
Highest Recorded PM2.5 Levels in Affected Provinces
Following Sing Buri, the next highest PM2.5 levels were observed in:
- Nakhon Phanom: 83.9 µg/m³
- Chai Nat: 81.5 µg/m³
- Nong Bua Lam Phu: 80 µg/m³
- Nakhon Pathom: 79.6 µg/m³
The government-set safe threshold for PM2.5 is 37.5 µg/m³, indicating that these levels pose a significant health risk.
Moderate and Safe Air Quality in Other Regions
In contrast, moderate and safe levels of PM2.5 were reported in several areas:
- Chiang Rai: 37.4 µg/m³
- Phuket: 34.8 µg/m³
- Chiang Mai: 34 µg/m³
- Ranong: 29.2 µg/m³
- Rayong: 28.4 µg/m³
- Mae Hong Son: 27 µg/m³
- Nakhon Si Thammarat: 26.3 µg/m³
Good Air Quality Recorded in Some Locations
The air quality was rated as good in:
- Chumphon: 24.5 µg/m³
- Surat Thani: 22.7 µg/m³
- Phangnga: 21.5 µg/m³
- Krabi: Best air quality at 19.9 µg/m³
Health Impact from Rising PM2.5 Levels
Other provinces reported PM2.5 levels that began to affect health, classified as orange levels ranging from 37.6 to 74.1 µg/m³.
Unsafe PM2.5 Levels Across Bangkok Districts
Unsafe levels of PM2.5, categorized as both orange and red, blanketed all 50 districts of Bangkok. The following districts recorded red levels:
- Bangkok Yai: Highest at 102.3 µg/m³
- Thon Buri: 100.9 µg/m³
- Khlong San: 97.1 µg/m³
- Additional districts included Bang Kho Laem (94.0), Bangkok Noi (91.8), and Sathon (90.6), among others.
Urgent Action Needed to Address Air Quality Crisis
The alarming rise in PM2.5 levels across Bangkok and surrounding provinces highlights an urgent need for action to combat air pollution and protect public health. With many districts experiencing dangerous air quality, authorities must prioritize measures to improve environmental conditions for residents across the region.
