Two hundred educational institutions in Bangkok were required to shut down their operations on Thursday due to excessive air pollution levels. Harmful airborne pollutants known as PM2.5_suffix reached levels of 122 micrograms per cubic meter while the World Health Organization’s safe limit is set at 15 micrograms per cubic meter. The thick pollutants in the air negatively impact human health by creating respiratory difficulty while leading to eye sensitivities. The authorities emphasize that everyone should minimize their time outdoors while ensuring special protection measures for children and elderly citizens.
Catastrophic pollution forced schools to close their doors which made thousands of students remain at home. The closure decisions for educational institutions depend on current air quality readings with certain facilities operating within a day but other establishments maintaining shutdowns for up to seven days. The authorities implemented restrictions on large trucks within certain areas while requesting remote work from residents yet only 100,000 people have registered for it.
The city of Bangkok experiences recurring pollution problems that worsen during winter months due to vehicle smoke and agricultural field burning. The city earned position number six on the list of world’s worst polluted major cities this week. The government has attempted air interventions with water spraying and dry ice distribution yet these measures have shown minimal success. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra faces criticism because she participates in a Swiss conference while her country faces worsening pollution.
Authorities in Bangkok encourage locals to remain inside with face coverings while also restricting their outdoor engagements to minimum levels. People need to check updated air quality reports according to official recommendations. The experts predict that unless pollution levels improve right away they will lead to severe health problems that primarily affect children and the elderly and those who have respiratory conditions.
Source: The Daily Star
