BANGKOK, 27 January 2013 The Minister of Public Health has instructed public health officials in the 9 Northern provinces, hit by the latest wave of air pollution, to help affected locals while urging those with chronic illnesses to avoid areas covered with thick haze.
Public Health Minister Dr. Pradit Sintavanarong has assigned health personnel from the Office of Disease Control in all haze-hit Northern provinces to be on alert and to prepare necessary medical equipment, medical supplies and medicines to help people who have suffered the haze hazard.
Nine provinces affected by the latest round of haze are Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Phrae, Phayao and Tak.
The Public Health Minister also urged locals not to burn weeds, grasses, trees or wastes in order to avoid escalating the impact of the haze.
Children and senior citizens, especially those suffering from chronic respiratory or vascular diseases, are advised to stay out of areas covered with thick haze.
If that cannot be avoided, they are asked to cover their mouths and noses with handkerchiefs or masks, and quickly seek medical attention if they suffer such symptoms as chest discomfort, breathing difficulty and eyes burning.
