Thailand: High air pollution levels nationwide

Event

On the afternoon of Monday, February 5, the daily PM2.5 level in Bangkok's Thon Buri District reached 81.3 micrograms per cubic meter of air. According to Thai authorities, levels higher than 50 are considered unsafe; the World Health Organization (WHO) puts this threshold at 25. Dense smog covered the capital on Monday, lowering visibility. The daily PM2.5 level in many central and northern provinces also exceeded beyond safe limits (e.g. 109 in Samut Sakhon and 92 in Ratchaburi and Tak). Authorities predict that air pollution will remain at "critical" levels for the rest of the month.

Context

Air quality in many parts of Thailand first deteriorated to harmful levels over the weekend (February 3-4), due in part to an ongoing cold spell. Exposure to high levels of PM2.5 can lead to various health issues, such as eye and skin irritation and headaches, and can aggravate cardiac and respiratory conditions. Health authorities are urging the population to regularly check air pollution levels.

Advice

Individuals in Thailand, notably those particularly vulnerable to air pollution (children, the elderly, etc.), should limit outdoor activities until conditions normalize.