BANGKOK, Thailand – Chulalongkorn University recently held the 30th edition of its “Chula the Impact” academic seminar, focusing on the theme “Chula’s Initiative to Tackle the PM2.5 Crisis.” The event brought together experts from various fields to discuss potential solutions for air pollution, with a focus on addressing the environmental and health challenges posed by PM2.5 particles.
The seminar aimed to provide a scientific foundation to drive public awareness, inform policy, and implement measures to mitigate the impact of PM2.5, which has become a major crisis in both environmental and public health spheres.
Dr. Patthrarawalai Sirinara, a lecturer from the Faculty of Medicine at Chulalongkorn University, highlighted the serious health risks associated with PM2.5 exposure. She explained that short-term exposure can lead to eye irritation, dry cough, sore throat, and respiratory issues, while long-term exposure is linked to more severe health conditions such as lung cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s.
Dr. Sirinara also noted that studies have shown that PM2.5 particles in Bangkok and surrounding areas contain high levels of toxic substances such as arsenic, cadmium, and chromium, which could potentially increase cancer risks. She recommended that the public wear N95 masks and limit outdoor activities during high pollution periods.
In 2023, Thailand adjusted its PM2.5 safety threshold from 50 mcg/m³ to 37.5 mcg/m³, but Dr. Sirinara suggested that adopting the World Health Organization’s guideline of 15 mcg/m³ could reduce cancer incidence in Thailand by 44%.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sirima Panyametheekul, from the Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering at Chulalongkorn, stressed the importance of monitoring air quality and identifying sources of pollution to develop effective solutions.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tassanee Chetwittayachan, Director of the Interdisciplinary Program in Environmental Science at the Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, explained that the recent high levels of PM2.5 were primarily caused by combustion-related emissions from traffic, industrial activities, and biomass burning. Additionally, weather conditions, including weak winds and temperature inversions, exacerbated the accumulation of pollution.
Finally, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suthirat Kittipongvises, from the Sustainable Environment Research Institute at Chulalongkorn University, emphasized that addressing air pollution requires a collective effort. She called for increased public awareness and improved data literacy, particularly to help vulnerable groups better protect themselves from the harmful effects of air pollution. (NNT)
