Unhealthy air pollution is recorded in Bangkok, Thailand on October 18 (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Bangkok (VNA) - Thai officials on October 20pledged to take action to addre🐓ss a spike in air pollution that came before thenormal peak of seasonal haze.
The commitment wasmade in the context that the capitalBangkok being named among the world’s 10 most polluted cities as PM2.5 soaredto 48 μg/m3, according to IQAir, a Swiss-based air qualitytechnology company. The Pollution Control Department (PCD) under the ThaiMinistry of Natural Resources and Environment said PM2.5 have increased beyondthe safe level of 37.5μg/m3 in most areas in Bangkok, starting to affect people’shealth. The department also warned that high levels of PM2.5 will last until October 28 in thecapital. Meanwhile, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) hasadvised people in areas with high pollution levels to reduce outdoor activitiesand wear protective masks when necessary. Anyone experiencing symptoms such ascough, difficulty breathing, eye irritation, nausea or fatigue should consult adoctor. In a statement on October 20, Thai authorities stated thatair quality and safety are important priorities and that the country will strengthenmeasures to prevent PM2.5, such as restricting areas that people can burncrops, establish regulations between the public and private sectors and negotiate with relevant industries on transnational pollution./.
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