Air Quality Crisis: Chiang Mai and Bangkok Rank Among World’s Top 10 Worst
Thailand’s two largest cities, Chiang Mai and Bangkok, have made it to the unenviable list of the world’s top 10 cities with the worst air quality. The alarming levels of air pollution in these cities have raised serious concerns about the health and well-being of their residents.
According to recent data, Chiang Mai and Bangkok have consistently recorded hazardous levels of particulate matter (PM) 2.5, a key indicator of air quality. The PM 2.5 levels in these cities have been hovering around 100-150 micrograms per cubic meter, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s (WHO) safety limit of 25 micrograms per cubic meter.
The poor air quality in Chiang Mai and Bangkok is attributed to a combination of factors, including:
- Burning of agricultural waste: Farmers in the northern regions of Thailand, including Chiang Mai, have been burning crop waste to clear land for new plantations, releasing massive amounts of pollutants into the air.
- Vehicle emissions: The rapid growth of urban populations in Bangkok has led to an increase in the number of vehicles on the road, resulting in higher emissions of pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter.
- Industrial activities: The presence of industrial estates and factories in and around Bangkok has contributed to the high levels of air pollution in the city.
Health Risks
The poor air quality in Chiang Mai and Bangkok poses significant health risks to residents, including:
- Respiratory problems: Exposure to high levels of PM 2.5 can cause respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Cardiovascular diseases: Air pollution has been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular diseases.
- Cancer: Long-term exposure to poor air quality can increase the risk of lung cancer and other types of cancer.