CHIANG MAI, THAILAND – Thick wildfire smoke pushed air pollution in Chiang Mai to alarming levels, triggering health complaints and a severe nosebleed in an eight-year-old girl.
Alarming air quality in Chiang Mai
On 26 March 2023, air pollution in Chiang Mai was reported to have reached a critical point. Fine particulate matter PM2.5 exceeded legal limits by a wide margin in many parts of the city.
The Climate Change Center at Chiang Mai University recorded a midday peak of more than 860 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic meter in the Pang Ma Yao region. In urban areas, including around Nakhon Ping Hospital, levels of 256 micrograms per cubic meter were measured.
Health impacts on residents
The sharply elevated PM2.5 levels had serious health consequences for residents. Many people reported eye irritation and skin rashes as the haze settled over the city.
Particularly worrying was the case of an eight-year-old girl who suffered heavy nosebleeds attributed to the high pollution levels. Her parents suspected that the air pollution was the cause of her symptoms.
Wildfires identified as main cause
The hazardous air quality was mainly driven by numerous wildfires in the surrounding area. These forest fires were especially common during the dry season and significantly worsened overall air quality.
Authorities faced the dual challenge of bringing the fires under control and informing the public about the dangers of pollution. They worked to balance firefighting efforts with public awareness campaigns.
Measures to improve air quality
The government had already taken steps to improve the air, including fighting the wildfires and educating residents about protective measures. Officials aimed to reduce exposure to the high PM2.5 concentrations.
Despite these efforts, the situation remained tense, and many citizens demanded faster and more effective solutions. People called for stronger action to cut air pollution in Chiang Mai and protect public health.
Your view
The report invited readers to share their opinions on the situation in Chiang Mai. It asked what measures they considered necessary to improve the city’s air quality.
“What do you think about the current air quality in Chiang Mai? Which measures do you consider necessary to improve the situation?”
said the report, encouraging readers to discuss the issue and share their thoughts on this important topic.