RISC hosts think tank on PM2.5 air pollution

6 March 2019, Bangkok – Research & Innovation for Sustainability Center (RISC), the research arm of Magnolia Quality Development Corporation Limited (MQDC), hosted a two-stage forum on solving PM2.5 pollution at its headquarters on the 4th Floor of Magnolias Ratchadamri Boulevard (MRB).

PM2.5 air pollution – made of particulate matter (PM) 2.5 micrometers in diameter or smaller – threatens the health of urban populations in cities including Bangkok. The tiny particles are less than 3% the width of a human hair so easily enter our lungs. 

Thailand Global Warming Academy of Napamitr Foundation (TGWA), RISC, and the Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation jointly held the 11th TGWA public forum on ‘New Information – PM2.5 Air Pollution in Thailand, January 2019’.

Prof. Dr Thanawat Jarupongsakul, President of TGWA, told the forum that dust levels are highest between 7pm and 6am, especially during weekends and holidays.

Asst. Prof. Dr Surat Bualert, Dean of the Faculty of Environment at Kasetsart University, suggested building a tree line 10 meters deep to block sound and dust from traffic.
 
Assoc. Prof. Dr Singh Intrachooto, Chief Advisor of RISC, called for improved pollution measurement.

“How air quality changes with altitude must be considered when constructing buildings and the installation of indoor air purifiers must be mandatory,” he added.

In the second stage of the meeting, Dr Ammarin Daranpob, Advisor of Loxley Public Company Limited, highlighted the role of garbage being poured on land or landfill, without being buried. “The government should inform the public about proper waste management,” he said.

It was further proposed at the forum that condominiums have a space 12 meters deep (up from 6 meters) where trees can be planted.

Discover more about the RISC’s work in well-being and sustainability here: www.risc.in.th