Don't Become Numb to the Threat of PM2.5…
Created By RISC | 1 week ago
Last modified date : 1 week ago
Are you starting to become indifferent to air pollution alerts? They come so often that we get used to them. But PM2.5 remains a real danger in every breath we take.
Thailand has been struggling with PM2.5 for years, especially during the dry season when air pollution often exceeds safe limits. PM2.5 at the start of this year was below the five-year average yet some provinces still experienced several days at hazardous levels. Public health remains at risk and pollution shouldn’t be ignored.
MEI Compared to PM2.5 Levels in Different Regions
The Multivariate ENSO Index Version 2 (MEI V.2) is a multivariate index for the ENSO phenomenon. It integrates various oceanic and atmospheric variables to assess the ENSO index, including Sea Level Pressure (SLP), Sea Surface Temperature (SST), Surface Zonal Winds (U), Surface Meridional Winds (V), and Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR). MEI is used to evaluate El Niño (MEI value above 0) and La Niña (MEI value below 0).
The health impacts of PM2.5 accumulate over time. They can lead to illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cancer. In Bangkok, as well as in provinces like Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Phayao, where PM2.5 levels get extremely high, people can experience acute symptoms related to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, skin conditions, and eye infections.
PM2.5 levels vary each year with 2 main factors: meteorological conditions and pollution from various sources.
From a meteorological perspective, wind plays a crucial role—both its direction and speed. Strong winds help disperse pollutants. The height of the atmospheric mixing layer (where pollutants can rise and spread) directly affects pollution levels. If this layer is low, pollutants accumulate near the ground, causing PM2.5 concentrations to rise.
Another factor is rainfall and humidity, which can help remove airborne particles. High humidity and heavy rain effectively reduce PM2.5 levels and lower the chances of open burning, a major source of air pollution in many regions of the country.
On a larger scale, the PM2.5 issue is also linked to global climate phenomena such as El Niño and La Niña, which influence rainfall patterns in Thailand. La Niña, which brings more rain, reduces open burning. El Niño brings drought and an increase in fires. These mechanisms show how air pollution is linked to climate, geography, and human activities.
PM2.5 stems from different causes across Thailand.
In Bangkok and the Eastern Region, primary pollution sources include traffic, factories, and power plants. PM2.5 levels peak during the winter due to stagnant air trapping pollutants. Pollution from open burning in surrounding areas further worsens the situation in the summer.
In the North and Northeast, PM2.5 primarily comes from open burning in agricultural and forested areas. In the North, pollution levels can exceed the safety standard by 10 times during the dry season, aligning with an increase in hotspot detections from forest and farmland fires. Transboundary haze from neighboring countries further exacerbates the problem.
In the South, air pollution levels are generally lower due to prolonged rainy seasons and high humidity. But the region isn’t always safe. Towards year-end, the South is affected by transboundary haze, particularly from fires in equatorial regions, where smoke can travel thousands of kilometers over the ocean.
The most effective way to combat PM2.5 pollution is to address its root causes. But this requires long-term solutions and collaboration between the government, private sector, and the public. What we can all do right now is protect ourselves—the first line of defense against air pollution.
A simple principle to remember is: "Minimize exposure to PM2.5 as much as possible." Stay informed about air quality levels before going outside, wear an N95 mask in high-risk areas, avoid outdoor activities when pollution levels are high, use air purifiers, or stay in PM2.5-free environments.
"FAHSAI" air purification tower is an example of an initiative for cleaner spaces. It may provide an option for those looking to reduce exposure to pollution. Self-protection doesn’t address the issue’s root causes but provides an immediate solution to reduce health risks for ourselves and our loved ones.
PM2.5 is an invisible but ever-present threat, lingering in our every breath. If we ignore it or become indifferent, it may become a crisis we can’t fix.
Story by Assoc. Dr. Patipat Vongruang, Assistant Dean, Faculty of Public Health, University of Phayao, and Napol Kieatkongmanee, Senior Sustainable Designer and TREES-A, Building Technology, Intelligent Systems, Innovative Solutions Specialist, RISC