Study Focuses on Factors, Risks of Air Pollution in Northern Thailand

October 27, 2023

Culprits of pollution: haze season poses risk

Air pollution remains a global crisis, posing severe threats to human health and the environment. In Thailand, the issue of air pollution has reached a critical juncture, with urban areas facing alarmingly high pollution levels.

The detrimental consequences of air pollution are particularly pronounced in the northern region of Thailand, where a range of factors converges to create a chronic problem, according to a study published in Nature journal by authors Titaporn Supasri (Chiang Mai University), Shabbir H. Gheewala ( King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi/ Center of Excellence on Energy Technology and Environment, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation), Ronald Macatangay (National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand/ University of the Philippines Diliman), Anurak Chakpor) National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand) and Surat Sedpho ( University of Phayao).

In Thailand, sources of air pollution are multifaceted. They include power plants, industrial activities, vehicular emissions, forest fires, and agricultural burning. The latter, undertaken annually during the dry season, further exacerbates air quality issues. Climate and vegetation type contribute to the elevated risk of wildfires in the region. As reported by the Pollution Control Department of Thailand in 2020, concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 particles in the Mae Sai District of Chiang Rai exceeded recommended guidelines during the haze season, posing a severe threat to public health.

Pollution’s health implications

Exposure to ambient air pollution in northern Thailand has been associated with a range of health issues. In 2020, the Health Data Center of the Ministry of Public Health recorded approximately 589,000 hospital admissions for diseases linked to air pollution. Respiratory diseases were the most prevalent, followed by skin and eye inflammation and cardiovascular diseases. These statistics underscore the pressing need for action to mitigate air pollution in the region.

To comprehensively understand the health impact of air pollution, a modeling framework has been developed. This framework encompasses emissions, atmospheric chemistry, human inhalation, increased mortality, and overall health damage. Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY) are employed to measure the years of life lost due to health problems associated with PM2.5 and PM10 exposure.

Region-specific data sought

Despite the wealth of studies on the health effects of air pollution, the specific health implications in Thailand, particularly in its northern regions, remain inadequately explored. Most data are aggregated at the national level, offering limited insights into the local context. Therefore, more precise and region-specific data on air pollution’s health effects are essential for crafting effective strategies to combat air pollution and mitigate climate change.

Recognizing the need for precise data, this study employs the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach, following International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards. The aim is to investigate the health impacts of PM2.5 and PM10 in northern Thailand, utilizing data from the Pollution Control Department. The goal is to quantify the burden of disease due to PM2.5 and PM10-related mortality and morbidity, as measured in DALYs.

It’s vital to acknowledge that a significant portion of the population spends a considerable amount of time in indoor environments, such as homes and workplaces. Indoor pollution sources, like cooking fumes, can also have health impacts. However, this study focuses exclusively on outdoor air pollution. While indoor pollution sources are not within the scope of this research, they remain an essential area of concern.

A data-driven approach and research to expound on health impact

The study reveals that the annual average number of years of life lived with disability due to ambient PM2.5 in northern Thailand is approximately 41,372 years, while for PM10, it is about 59,064 years. The findings highlight the pressing need for more accurate data and research to inform strategies that effectively address air pollution and climate change in Thailand. That said, it is evident that the battle against air pollution in northern Thailand not only requires region-specific data, but necessitates a comprehensive approach to understanding its health implications. This research paves the way for informed decision-making, the development of effective policies, and the urgent need to mitigate air pollution while confronting the challenge of climate change. Further research is essential to provide more precise results and a brighter, healthier future for the people of northern Thailand.

Source: Nature

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