The air in Thailand is thick with danger, and it’s taking a toll on the health of its people. In the past week alone, a staggering 1.3 million have fallen ill, and over 200,000 have been hospitalized due to the toxic haze in Bangkok. In particular, Bangkok has been hit the hardest, with its citizens bearing the brunt of the noxious fumes.
The hazardous air pollution has been caused by a dangerous mix of industrial emissions, smoke from agricultural burning, and vehicle pollution.
Thousands Hospitalized Due to Toxic Haze in Bangkok
As per the data obtained from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Medical Service Department and public hospitals, around 31,695 patients in Bangkok and 1,449,716 patients nationwide are currently experiencing symptoms caused by the toxic haze in Bangkok. Of them, 8,692 people were diagnosed with eczema, 2,252 people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 8,309 with stroke, 4,800 with conjunctivitis, 1,107 with bronchitis, 1,830 with pharyngitis, 1,770 with pneumonia, 672 with nasal cryotherapy, 129 with asthma, 114 with influenza, 89 with ischaemic heart disease and 1,877 with lung cancer.
As around 50 districts in Bangkok have reported unsafe levels of PM2.5 particles, the government has advised children and pregnant women to stay indoors.
PM2.5 particles are considered the most dangerous as they have the ability to enter the bloodstream and cause damage to our organs. The level of air pollution has exceeded all standards set by the World Health organization.
Chiang Mai, a northern city known for its agriculture, is also among the areas most severely impacted by the incidence of stubble burning.
Government Initiatives and Challenges: Battling Air Pollution
To counter the situation, the government has advised companies to offer work from home to their employees and anyone venturing outside to wear a high-quality N95 anti-pollution mask.
To safeguard the health of young children, nurseries across the country have implemented dedicated “no dust rooms” equipped with air purifiers. Additionally, the government has established checkpoints on roads to regulate vehicular pollution.
Despite these efforts, the director general of the public health ministry has emphasized the need for further measures to address the issue. Suggestions include encouraging the public to work remotely from home and advising schools to limit outdoor activities to protect the health of children.
Conclusion: Battling the Silent Enemy – Toxic Haze in Bangkok
As Thailand grapples with a severe air pollution emergency, the toll on public health is alarming. The toxic haze, primarily affecting Bangkok, has led to an overwhelming number of people falling ill and being hospitalized. With over 1.3 million individuals impacted in just a week, the crisis is driven by a dangerous mix of industrial emissions, agricultural burning, and vehicle pollution.
The health repercussions are dire, with thousands diagnosed with various ailments linked to air pollution. From respiratory issues like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to skin conditions like eczema, the consequences are widespread. The hazardous PM2.5 particles, surpassing global health standards, pose a particular threat by entering the bloodstream and causing organ damage.
Government interventions, such as urging remote work, distributing high-quality masks, and establishing pollution checkpoints, aim to mitigate the crisis. Yet, the director general of the public health ministry underscores the necessity for additional measures. As Thailand confronts this silent enemy, the call for collective action to protect public health, especially vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women, remains imperative
References
- Nearly 200,000 people hospitalised as Thailand chokes on air pollution. [cited: 15 March 2023]. Available at: https://www.livemint.com/news/world/nearly-2-00-000-hospitalized-as-thailand-chokes-with-air-pollution-11678616313080.html
- Almost 2 Lakh People In Thailand Hospitalised Due To Air Pollution; Bangkok In Haze Shroud. [cited: 15 March 2023]. Available at: https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/rest-of-the-world-news/almost-2-lakh-people-in-thailand-hospitalised-due-to-air-pollution-bangkok-in-haze-shroud-articleshow.html
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