CHIANG MAI, April 6 (TNA) – Chiang Mai province on Monday
became the most polluted city in the world, according to AirVisual, due to farm
burning and bush fires.
The northern province of Thailand was hit by hazardous
levels of air pollution as forest fires sent PM2.5 levels up between 193-644
micrograms per cubic meter of air, exceeding the safe level of 50 micrograms.
The worst hit area was that in the vicinity of Wiang Haeng
Hospital where the air monitoring website reported PM2.5 level peaked at 644 micrograms.
At the famous ancient ruin Ta Phae Gate, PM2.5 that can
cause coronary disease rose to 300 micrograms.
Since last week, forest fires that erupted at several areas
including in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park have sent thick smog blanketing many
provinces in the north.
Burning of farm waste has continued to exacerbate the
pollution problem.(TNA)