Fighting dangerous smog in Thailand: special hospital wards and other measures

Rise in illnesses due to PM2.5 dust

The number of visits to hospitals with health problems related to elevated levels of fine PM2.5 particles in the air has risen sharply in recent months. According to the Ministry of Health, more than 10,000 people have been affected and 1,407 required emergency treatment.

The elderly, children, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses were particularly vulnerable. Many have worsened heart problems, asthma and allergies. The situation has worsened in recent days: in 44 provinces, PM2.5 levels have exceeded the dangerous threshold of 37.5 µg/m3.

Introduction of special "dust-free" rooms in hospitals

To protect at-risk patients from dangerous exposure to PM2.5 particles, the Ministry of Health plans to organize dust-free rooms in 30 provinces.

They will be used for the elderly, children, pregnant women and those suffering from chronic diseases. These wards will be set up in the regions with the highest levels of PM2.5: Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Mekhong Son and others.

"Dust-free" wards will be equipped with special filters and ventilation systems to clean the air of dangerous particles as much as possible. This will improve patients' condition and speed up their recovery.

Other measures to combat dangerous smog

In addition to special wards, the authorities are planning a set of measures to solve the problem of smog.

In particular, one of the main sources of PM2.5 is the burning of garbage and crop residues in the fields. Therefore, farmers will be provided with tractors and balers to dispose of straw without burning.

Work is also being done with neighboring countries from where the smoke from burning garbage enters Thailand. There are plans to tighten controls on these activities.

The authorities hope that a set of measures will significantly reduce the level of hazardous particles PM2.5 and improve the ecological situation in the country. And "dust-free" wards in hospitals will become an effective protection for the most vulnerable groups of the population.