Days away from the first full-blast New Year’s celebrations in years, Bangkok remains covered in a thick blanket of smog.
For revelers planning to make the most of the holidays later this week, health officials have a familiar message: Songkran with a mask on.
The Public Health Ministry today suggested that people wear face masks to limit their intake of harmful microparticles or, better yet, avoid outdoor activities entirely. Killjoys. As if anyone would do that.
Deputy Minister Satit Pitutecha said yesterday that while COVID is no longer much of a concern, people should wear masks as group activities still pose risks and the air is still hazardous. As of noon on Tuesday, Bangkok measured an “unhealthy” 138 on the global pollution index. And tracking service IQAir forecasts it getting worse in the next few days, peaking on Friday, the second day of Songkran.
He did not mention whether masks were effective forms of protection. Most of the masks commonly worn are unable to filter out the so-called PM2.5 microparticulate pollution; however, high quality N95 surgical masks do reduce exposure.
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Top disease control official Opas Karnkawinpong said that pollution remains severe in the northern region and advised people to stay indoors.
As of noon on Tuesday, Chiang Mai’s registered 219 on the international pollution index, which is considered unhealthy for all. Exposure to high levels of pollution can cause irritation, nasal congestion, and various skin conditions.
As a result, provincial health officials have been asked to coordinate on issuing or enforcing the necessary measures to prepare for a surge in medical treatment. Nothing was said about actually doing anything about the pollution.
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