Smoggy Bangkok's Air Quality Spells Trouble for Residents
In Bangkok, non-smokers are estimated to inhale the equivalent of over 1,290 cigarettes annually due to high levels of PM2.5 pollution.
Bangkok's persistent pollution issues, driven by PM2.5 particles, are a cause for concern - with non-smokers in the city breathing in roughly the equivalent of over 1,200 cigarettes a year, according to a microscopic thoracic surgeon.
In the bustling city of Bangkok, air pollution has become a pressing matter. Assoc Prof Dr Sira Laohathai, a health professional at Vajira General Hospital, has sounded the alarm. He claims the detrimental levels of PM2.5 fine dust are putting Bangkokians at risk of lung cancer.
As Sira explained, in 2024, residents inhaled PM2.5 at levels equivalent to smoking 1,297 cigarettes per year. Although an improvement from 2023 (1,370 cigarettes per year), it was still worse than 2022 (1,227 cigarettes).
PM2.5 is measured in micrograms (µg) per cubic meter of air, and Sira compared it to smoking one cigarette to demonstrate the risk. He also highlighted the roaring toll of lung cancer as one of Thailand's leading causes of death.
A recent study showed that a whopping 30-60% of lung cancer cases in Asia are reported by individuals who never smoked, underlining the alarming link between PM2.5 pollution and cancer.
Sira recommends that three groups at heightened risk undergo Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) scans for early detection and timely treatment. These groups are:
- Individuals aged 50 to 80
- Former smokers who had smoked over 20 years
- Current or former smokers who smoked for at least 15 years
Stats and Figures
- recent readings of PM2.5 levels reached 88.6 µg/m³, over double the government's safety limit of 37.5
- Bangkok's PM2.5 levels can reach approximately 50 µg/m³ during winter, leading to a surge in respiratory and cardiovascular cases
- A study involving Bangkok high school students found that 27.9% reported severe respiratory symptoms, highlighting the impact on adolescents
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- Bangkok
- PM2.5
- air-quality
- air-pollution
- Lung cancer
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- ThailandNews
- The persistent PM2.5 pollution in Bangkok, which is equivalent to non-smokers inhaling over 1,200 cigarettes annually, emphasizes the severe health risks associated with air quality issues in the city.
- Assoc Prof Dr Sira Laohathai, a health professional at Vajira General Hospital, warns that the high levels of PM2.5 fine dust in Bangkok may lead to an increased risk of lung cancer for its residents.
- In a recent study, it was revealed that a significant percentage (30-60%) of lung cancer cases in Asia are reported by individuals who never smoked, underscoring the concerning link between PM2.5 pollution and medical-conditions like cancer.
- Sira recommends three high-risk groups (age 50 to 80, former smokers who had smoked over 20 years, and current or former smokers who smoked for at least 15 years) to undergo Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) scans for early detection and timely treatment of potential lung cancer.
