Air quality worsens in Thai capital

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A woman wears a face mask to filter out some of the thick air pollution in downtown Bangkok. (AP Photo)
A woman wears a face mask to filter out some of the thick air pollution in downtown Bangkok. (AP Photo)

Bangkok – The Pollution Control Department has reported an air pollution level that exceeds the safe limit on three main thoroughfares in Bangkok.

The air pollution level has registered between 48-64 micrograms per cubic meter, higher than the safe level of 50 micrograms per cubic meters. The three main roads with the worst air pollution are Rama IV, Intharaphithak and Lat Phrao Roads. The department also found that the amount of PM10 will likely increase in all areas.

At-risk people and patients with respiratory tract or heart diseases are strongly advised to wear face masks when entering an area affected by air pollution.

The department has urged all industries, especially construction, to help prevent PM10 affecting the air.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment, and the Pollution Control Department to impose measures to tackle the problem as a matter of urgency, suggesting they create artificial rain to reduce dust in the air.