Unusually high levels of smog are raising alarm across Asia, with authorities in Bangkok finding ways to stop it. A combination of construction dust, auto exhaust and other pollutants, over Bangkok due to prevailing weather patterns, has taken air quality to unhealthy levels in recent days.
The city was handing out some 10,000 face masks, spraying water to help settle dust and tightening controls on when big trucks can use city street. The Thai Pollution Control Department said that about half of the high levels of PM 2.5, tiny particulate matter that can dangerously harm lungs, was due to the diesel engine emissions. “I admit these are temporary solutions but we have to do it. Other long term measures will also be carried out,” Police Gen. Aswin Kwanmuang told a meeting of army, police, pollution control and other officials on Monday.
Thailand’s air pollution problem tends to depend on the season. As in much of the rest of Asia, burning of fields after harvests can cause severe smog at certain times of the year. The spring smog has come early to tropical Bangkok. “There are a lot of factories and now that the pollution score is higher, we have to be more careful,” said Oranart Phongpreecha, 55, a housewife who lives just outside of Bangkok. “It’s not that I get sick more often. But when I go outside, I have a sore throat and I can’t see clearly. I’m afraid that polluted air is going into my lungs so I have to protect myself.”
Pralong Dumrongthai, head of the Thai Pollution Control Department, said long term solutions would include switching to use of electric vehicles and better quality gasoline. “I ask for public understanding when your vehicles are being checked, especially those that emit black smoke or big trucks,” he said. “We need your cooperation.”
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