Worsening smog in 9 northern provinces expected in March and April
Smog is disappearing in Bangkok but not so in the north. Despite completely banning the open burning of vegetation or trash, forest fires continue to rage in nine northern provinces with the area expected to suffer from worsening smog in March and April.
Read: A few Bangkok schools cancel classes due to smog
Yesterday, deputy director-general Chongklai Worapongsathorn of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Conservation, chaired a meeting in support of firefighters who will be sent to the northern provinces to help fight fires that continue to tear through the forest for weeks, emitting dangerous air particles and smoke that threaten the health of local residents.
Complete open burning has been imposed in the provinces of Lampang, Chiang Rai, Nan, Phrae, Phayao, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun and Tak from February 10th to April 30th. The level of PM2.5 particulate matter in Lampang ranges from 67-73 microns while 68 microns were reported in Tambon Jongkham, Muang district of Mae Hong Son, Thai PBS reports.
According to the Department of Pollution Control, the air quality in the seven northern and two northeastern provinces was below standard and labeled condition orange, meaning it now poses health hazards.
The country’s worsening smog problem was upgraded to a national agendum by the cabinet on February 12th, the report added.
Source: Thai PBS
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