Critical dust levels continue in Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son

Criticaldust levels continue in Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son

8 April 2007

published by http://etna.mcot.net

Bangkok,China — Smoke haze with high dust-particle levels continue causingconcern in Thailand’s northern provinces of Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son,according to a report issued Sunday by the Pollution Control Department.

The latest report said that health-threatening dust-particle levels in Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son were measured at 148 and 212 microgrammes per cubic meter (MPCM), respectively, both causing continuing concern for public well-being according to the authorities.
 
The reading in Lampang province was registered at 74 MPCM, well below the maximum acceptable level of 120. The department has warned residents in smoke haze-affected provinces to avoid all forms of outdoor burning and to promptly report forest fires.

Children, the elderly and those already having respiratory maladies areadvised to refrain from any outdoor activity.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department announced Sunday that thundershowerswould occur in several Central and Eastern provinces, temporarily reducing theheat. Waves in the Gulf of Thailand are expected to be as high as two metres andsmall  trawlers should exercise caution while at sea.

Thundershowers are estimated to cover 30 per cent of Bangkok and its outlyingareas, the department said.