BANGKOK, 5 June 2014 – The Public Health Ministry hopes to raise awareness on a host of environmental problems including pollution, global warming, and deforestation on the occasion of World Environment Day on Thursday.
Permanent-Secretary for Public Health Dr. Narong Sahamethaphat said that the World Environment Day, which falls on June 5th every year, has been an occasion to promote global awareness on ways to combat climate change and environmental degradation. The international theme for this year is “Raise your voice, not the sea level.”
Water pollution has been raised as one of the main issues this year, as water supplied to consumers in many parts of the world is often contaminated with bacteria and other chemicals. Dr. Narong said the Bureau of Epidemiology found that over 1 million people suffered from diarrhea last year and 13 people died from the disease.
Improper waste disposal greatly contributes to water contamination as soil, cesspool leakage, and household waste help worsen pollution in rivers, canals, and other water sources. A recent study revealed the amount of household garbage nationwide has risen to 27 million tons, where only 7.2 million tons had been eliminated properly.
The ministry has instructed relevant agencies to tighten safety measures in a bid to reduce the risk of pollution-related diseases.
