Several capitals in the world see increasing pollution peaks. Thailand is not an exception. Previously, periods where the air became dangerous for human’s health were limited to rural area or to season of slash-and-burn fields. This year, in Bangkok, air reaches levels of pollution considered harmful for health for three consecutive weeks.
In Thailand, there are a lot of sources for air pollution. For exemple, exhaust gas, industrial toxic waste, power generation waste, farming waste, dump incineration, etc.
All this air pollution is due to Thailand’s rapid industrialization which is significantly degrading air quality. Bangkok and its four neighbourhood provinces (Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom and Samut Prakan) represent 20% of Thailand’s population and half of the factories in the country. Industrial and domestic pollution affect the quality of air and water in Bangkok area. The lack of treatment of toxic waste rejected by factories also affects quality of air.
Bangkok’s residents are inhaling ultrafine particles since early February 2018. Pollution Control Department of Thailand had since emitted warnings regarding the fact that these levels have soared to 94 micrograms per cubic metre. These levels exceeds security limit of 50 micrograms.
It is said that high exposure to those particles can cause damage on health like infection. But also, skin irritation or eyes irritation, headaches or heart disease. To be in accordance with the World Health Organization’s recommendations, Pollution Control Department of Thailand has been urged to work in order to reduce pollution in the country. For several years, the PCD is working to set up many programs having for purpose to limit air pollution. PCD’s results of actions seem to appear slowly.
Today, Bangkok’s rapid expansion has consequences on quality of life. The air breathed by people in Bangkok is highly polluted and despite the government’s actions, the changes are still slow.