Wind brought some relief and hazardous dust levels dropped in greater Bangkok on Friday, but the air remained unhealthy in some areas including along the capital's Rama IV Road.
The Pollution Control Department said 10-30 kilometres per hour wind in the morning reduced hazardous dust particulate levels. Air quality was good in some areas and but remained unsafe in others.
Chayapol Thitisak, director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, said over the past 24 hours particulate matter of 2.5 micrometres or less diameter (PM2.5) reached unsafe levels on Rama IV Road in Bangkok, tambon Song Khanong in Phra Pradaeng district of Samut Prakan, tambon Omnoi of Krathum Baen and district and Rama II Road in Muang district of Samut Sakhon, and tambon Nakhon Pathom of Muang district in Nakhon Pathom.
In these area PM2.5 levels were measured at 54-74 microgrammes per cubic metre of air. The safe ceiling is 50mcg.
The Health Department warned parents to keep young children indoors and close doors and windows to screen oot dust.
The department said exposure to excessive particulate matter could cause chronic health problems for the young, including cardiovascular disease, and adversely affect their nervous system and intelligence levels.
