Chiang Mai Worst Air Quality In The World, Government Distributes Masks To Residents

Illustration of air pollution in Chiang Mai, Thailand. (Wikimedia Commons/FredTC)

JAKARTA - Thailand's popular tourist destination Chiang Mai was shrouded in unhealthy air on Thursday, with some of the worst air quality in the world.

As of 2:00 p.m. local time, the Chiang Mai Air Quality Index (AQI) reading in Chang Phueak subdistrict was 187, an unhealthy level, according to the Air Quality and Noise Management Bureau of Thailand's Pollution Control Department.

People are advised to maintain their health and reduce outdoor activities if they experience difficulty breathing, eye irritation, or coughing.

"People at risk should avoid strenuous physical activity, especially outdoors, and consult a doctor if their symptoms worsen," said the Bureau of Air Quality and Noise Management, launching CNA on March 9.

Chiang Mai's air pollution is the worst in the world according to IQAir, the technology partner of the UN Environment Program. IQAir's city pollution ranking compares 95 global cities around the world with PM2.5 measured data.

"The PM2.5 concentration in Chiang Mai is currently 22.8 times the annual WHO air quality guideline value," IQAir said on its website.

PM2.5 is one of the deadliest forms of air pollution, tiny particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter or about 3 percent the diameter of a human hair.

This means they can penetrate deep into the lungs, where they persist for a long time or enter the bloodstream unfiltered.

Long-term exposure to these particles can cause cardiovascular, respiratory, and cancer diseases.

Residents in Chiang Mai and other northern Thai provinces have been reeling from the poor air quality for more than a week.

On Tuesday, Chiang Mai Governor Nirat Pongsitthavorn ordered various provincial work units to reduce the impact of air pollution on public health, including distributing face masks capable of filtering PM2.5 and setting up roadside emission checkpoints to limit black exhaust fumes.