Air quality in all parts of Bangkok below the safety standard

Average PM2.5 on Saturday morning at nearly double the acceptable levels

The air quality in all of Bangkok’s metropolitan areas exceeded the safety standard on Saturday morning, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s Air Quality Information Centre said.

The centre reported the average PM2.5 levels throughout the city on Saturday at 73.4 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3), nearly double the country’s standard of 37.5µg/m3 over a three-hour average (5am to 7am).

PM2.5 refers to dust particles 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter, long-term exposure to which is linked with chronic diseases including lung and heart problems.

Major sources of PM2.5 include traffic emissions, factories, forest fires, and burning of harvest leftovers.

The five districts that reported the highest levels of PM2.5 were: Nong Chok (93.6), Minburi (91.8), Khan Na Yao (91.5), Bang Na (89.9), and Khlong Sam Wa (89.7).

The centre urged Bangkokians to wear facemasks when leaving home and avoid staying outdoors for extended periods.

If you experience symptoms such as coughing, eye irritation or have trouble breathing, please see a physician, the centre said.

Air quality can be checked daily on the AirBKK application, www.airbkk.com, Line Alert, as well as the Facebook page of the BMA’s Environment Department.

(2025/01/25-00:00)