The team of experts have been working as the city’s so-called “dust detectives” to study PM2.5 – dust particles 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter, long-term exposure to which is linked with chronic diseases including lung and heart problems.
The forum was co-led by Pornprom Wikitset, governor Chadchart Sittipunt’s environmental adviser, and Praphas Lueangsirinapha, director of BMA’s Environment Department, and was moderated by city spokesman Aekvarunyoo Amrapala.
Pornprom cited a city study on dust sources from a reading of 90 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic metre of air (μg/m3). Of the 90μg, about 30μg was dust from traffic emissions, 30μg came from burning of organic matter, and 30μg was down to weather conditions, he said.
Thailand’s safe limit for PM2.5 is 50μg/m3.
Pornprom said the city could not control all the air pollution created by the traffic on its own, so needed to collaborate with related agencies under the national agenda on air pollution and with networks of partners to tackle traffic emissions citywide.
He added that the BMA is ready to share the details of its “dust detectives” with other provinces interested in launching a similar initiative.
“Data collected under this programme will help us to plan measures to tackle air pollution based on its source, for example by using water spray, banning vehicles emitting black smoke, or banning the burning of garbage and vegetation.”
Pornprom said the next government must continue prioritising air pollution as a national agenda and issue more measures to control dust from agriculture, industry and transport. He also proposed moving the Bangkok Port (Khlong Toei) to a low-emission zone.
The governor’s adviser said the BMA is doing everything in its power to tackle the fine dust problem, from detecting and screening sources and warning people to providing treatment via BMA air pollution clinics at six locations in the city.
Among the city’s latest initiatives is Line Alert, which offers another channel to check updates on pollution levels that are also available via the BMA’s website and Facebook page.
Praphas also disclosed the results of BMA Environment Department inspections for possible sources of dust from October 1, 2022 to March 14:
The Environment Department director also advised people to check the air quality via Line Alert, the AirBKK application, or websites www.airbkk.com and www.pr-bangkok.com before leaving home. Those living in zones of high pollution should reduce time spent outdoors or avoid outdoor activities altogether.
City residents can report sources of air pollution via the Traffy Fondue platform 24/7.
The forum reported the city is also providing the following remedial measures for Bangkokians affected by fine-dust pollution:
Wednesday’s forum concluded with BMA executives witnessing the water-spraying of buildings and roads near Wichuthit School by Din Daeng district officials.
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