Handout of 100,000 Dusk Masks in Chiang Mai

 | Wed 19 Mar 2014 09:27 ICT

CityNews – Recent PM10 values have measured up to 158 µg/m3 in Chiang Mai, 165 in Lampang, 170 in Mae Hong Son, 142 in Phayao and 121 in Phrae. All these numbers are over the safety standard set by the Thai Pollution Control Department (PCD). This has prompted the Chiang Mai Ministry of Health to distribute 100,000 masks to the public.

Chiang Mai has clear signs of smoke in the morning with cooler temperature in the morning and evening. Daytime average temperatures are 36?C. This affects locals and tourists with respiratory problems. Some children even develop skin problems.

Dr. Surasing Witsaruth-rathana from the Chiang Mai Ministry of Public Health, said that they issued warnings after the PM10 value went over 150 µg/m3 to people with health risks. The CM MPH recommended staying indoors, avoiding outdoors activities, wearing long sleeves, glasses or goggles and anti-particle masks.

They asked hospitals to be ready for the increase number of patients in following weeks. The 100,000 masks will be distributed to high-risk persons, children and elderly with respiratory issues.

See story in Thai at the Daily News Regional page.