BANGKOK, Jan 24 (TNA) – Bangkok’s dust levels are considered critical and the government should declare the city as a pollution control zone to map out clear dust control measures and find long-term solutions to tackle the tiny dust problem, said Greenpeace Thailand country director Tara Buakamsri.
The Air Pollution Control Department has reported the dust situation in Bangkok is not critical because the average level of the tiny particulate matter in the city is still below 90 microgramme per cubic metre.
Greenpeace Thailand director shared his view on the dust situation that the tiny dust level, which surpassed the safety standard at 50 microgrammes per cubic metres, is considered critical because it is unhealthy for vulnerable groups. The dust level in each area at a particular time should be taken into account to estimate its impacts rather than looking into the severity of the situation, based on the average level of the whole city.
While the government’s efforts have been put into spraying water onto roads and setting up checkpoints to arrest vehicles, emitting exhaust fumes, Tara suggested that the government should announce Bangkok as the pollution control zone to seek clear measures to solve the problem such as limiting vehicles on roads in the capital like in other countries.
Old cars with black exhaust fumes emission should be prohibited from roads. It should strictly control smoke emission from industrial facilities. Importantly, the government should put in place a warning system to alert residents, so they can prepare and protect themselves. Moreover, it should set aside a budget for studies on the long-term solutions to the root cause of the problem. (TNA)
