High levels of PM2.5 pollution in northern provinces today

The northern region recorded the most hot spots and high levels of PM2.5 dust in the atmosphere compared to other regions today, according to the Pollution Control Department.

4,291 hot spots were detected today in the northern region, with 85% of them in Chiang Mai, Lampang, Mae Hong Son, Tak and Phayao provinces. 10,834 hot spots were also reported today in Myanmar, 4,157 in Laos, 849 in Cambodia and 847 in Vietnam.

The westerly and south westerly winds in the northern region have contributed to the hot weather and the number of hot spots in the region, according to the Pollution Control Department.

It also said that efforts have been stepped up, including the deployment of drones, to look for forest fires and to prevent them from spreading, said the department, adding that they have sought help from the East Asia Department by coordinating with their counterparts in Thailand’s neighbouring countries in the fight against forest fires.

PM2.5 dust has reached the Red level (hazardous to health) in Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Lampang, Lamphun, Nan, Phrae, Phayao and Tak provinces in the north and Nakhon Phanom in the northeast.

PM2.5 in most provinces in the northeast is at the Orange level, being measured between 32.5 and 88.5 microns.