Toxic dust can occur. Be careful when outdoors.

During periods when the weather is variable as if covered with fog, sometimes it might not be fog but excess amounts of dust particles that are toxic to the body. These conditions can occur on some days from winter to early summer. People with chronic respiratory diseases, as well as those with heart and vascular diseases, should be especially careful and take good care of themselves to prevent potential health problems.

Dust Particles You Should Know About

Air pollution is a major problem for city residents, but many may not realize that excessive amounts of atmospheric dust particles can have a greater impact on the body and lifestyle than expected. Therefore, being well-informed about this issue is crucial. According to the Pollution Control Department:

• Atmospheric dust particles range in size from 0.002 microns, invisible to the naked eye, to larger than 500 microns. Dust visible to the naked eye is those particles that are 50 microns in size or larger.
• Dust particles can be either solid or liquid, but the ones that remain suspended in the air for an extended period are the smaller particles.
• Dust particles that can enter the respiratory tract and affect human health are those smaller than 10 microns. When these particles enter the respiratory system, they can cause irritation and damage to the tissues of the organs, such as the lung tissues. Excessive or prolonged exposure can lead to fibrosis or scars, reduced lung function, bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, and may also increase the susceptibility to respiratory infections.

Air Pollution in the City

Air pollution in cities like Bangkok and its vicinity mainly originates from:

1. Traffic
2. Industry
3. Open burning

Additionally, stagnant air conditions, calm winds, and inversion layers near the ground can lead to the accumulation of air pollutants in high concentrations, impacting the body.

Poor Health from Excessive Dust

Dust particles in excessive amounts can impact health more than one might think, including:

• Upper respiratory system: causing symptoms such as stuffy nose, runny nose, sore throat.
• Lower respiratory system: causing symptoms such as coughing, phlegm, breathing discomfort, wheezing, unfulfilled breath, chest tightness.
• Circulatory and heart system: making the body increase its breathing rate due to reduced oxygen exchange, thus increasing the risk of heart failure, etc.

How to Behave

• People with respiratory diseases should avoid outdoor exercises.
• The general public, especially children and the elderly, should not engage in outdoor activities for extended periods.
• If avoiding outdoor activities is impossible, wear masks or use cloths to cover the nose.
• Maintain engines in good condition without emitting black smoke.
• Reduce the use of personal cars, opt for public transport instead.
• Follow news and adhere closely to recommendations.
• If you experience any abnormalities in your body, consult a doctor immediately.

 

Information from:

• Pollution Control Department www.pcd.go.th
• Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University http://www.en.mahidol.ac.th
• Khaosod Online https://www.khaosod.co.th

 

Related news links:

• Warning for allergies… heart, be careful outdoors (Kom Chad Luek)