Air quality in Bang Kruai

Is the air pollution level high in Bang Kruai?

Bang Kruai is located in the southern region of Nonthaburi province in Thailand, a central province within the country. In regards to its level of air cleanliness or quality, it can be seen that Bang Kruai has been subject to some significant elevations in its pollution levels throughout 2020, as well as years before that. US AQI readings taken towards the latter part of 2021 show somewhat improved quality of air, however, these were taken in mid to late September, a month that usually sees more optimal levels of air cleanliness. Historically, Bang Kruai and many other provinces or cities throughout Thailand usually see better levels of air quality in the mid-months of the year, before sudden spikes in pollution readings are seen, due mainly to slash and burn farming practices. These are more prevalent in the northern regions of the country, but they can still affect many other regions around Thailand, being compounded even further by other polluting factors that come from anthropogenic movement, industrial activity as well as certain meteorological conditions all contributing to the elevated numbers seen on record. Many of these pollution sources will be discussed in further detail in the following question.

US AQI is a unit of measurement that is aggregated from the main pollutants that are found in the air, and most commonly released from all forms of typical polluting sources. They include sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide as well as the two forms of particle pollution, the larger or coarser PM10, as well as the ultrafine and far more dangerous PM2.5, also used prominently as a measure of air pollution levels due to the health risks that it poses as well as its direct correlation with heavily polluted air (instances of smoke, haze and other air contaminants will always contain large amounts of PM2.5, being the most damaging elements of these pollution clouds). Referring back to the US AQI levels, in mid-September of 2021, a reading of 23 was recorded in Bang Kruai, placing it within the 'good' air quality rating bracket. This requires a US AQI reading of anywhere between 0 to 50, making it the most optimal classification that can be achieved, more so as the number ebbs closer to 0. However as mentioned before, September is usually a month in which Bang Kruai has considerably better levels of air quality. Other US AQI readings present were figures of 16, representing a more optimal reading over August and September. Highs of 53, 61 and 76 were also on record, placing Bang Kruai into the 'moderate' air quality rating bracket, the next rating up and one in which the general public and at-risk individuals may start to experience forms of respiratory irritation, as well as the triggering of pre-existing conditions. As such, pollution levels should be monitored consistently, either via the air quality maps, graphs and forecasts present on this page, as well as on the AirVisual app. During bouts of high pollution, preventative measures such as the wearing of fine particle filtering masks and avoiding outdoor activity can be utilized to safeguard one’s health and reduce hazardous particle exposure.

What causes air pollution to occur in Bang Kruai?

As touched on, a large amount of the major pollution spikes can emanate from open burning sources, with the combustion of large amounts of organic matter causing prominent environmental damage as well as affecting the health of those living in nearby vicinities. Besides the issue of open burning, or slash and burn farming as it is more commonly known (whilst more typically referred to as ‘stubble burning’ in India), Bang Kruai also has many other sources that can compound the US AQI and PM2.5 readings, with the ones from 2020 also being discussed in following. Exhaust fumes and emissions from cars are another significant contributor to pollution levels, particularly when the vehicles are badly aged or in poor condition, which allows for greater amounts of oil vapors being leaked, along with more chemical pollutants and fine particles than a newer and cleaner vehicle would typically release. Other sources include emissions from factories, power plants and other industrial sites, along with road repairs and construction areas also releasing large amounts of fine particulate matter, particularly when proper protocol regarding cleaning or covering piles of sand and other fine materials are not adhered to.

When do air pollution levels become more hazardous in Bang Kruai?

Looking at the PM2.5 levels on record throughout 2020, it can be seen that Bang Kruai experienced similar patterns in its pollution levels much in the same way that other cities and provinces throughout Thailand also did, with the mid-months of the year being the cleanest whilst the beginning and end had the highest readings. The months with the highest PM2.5 figures were January, February and December, all of which came in within the 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' bracket at 35.5 μg/m³ or above, making them hazardous months for many members of the population.

What effects can polluted air have on health in Bang Kruai?

Polluted air can cause many different health issues, ranging from minor irritation to the respiratory tract, skin and exposed mucous membranes (such as eyes, ears, nose and mouth), as well as instances of reoccurring chest or throat infections. More serious ailments that fall under the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) bracket may also present themselves, along with a higher risk of cancer, heart attacks, stroke and premature death.

When is the air cleanest to breathe in Bang Kruai?

Despite the year 2020 having large elevations in pollution, as well as extended bouts of heightened PM2.5 levels sticking around for much of the year, Bang Kruai also had a few months with more respectable levels of air quality. These were June, July and September, which came in with readings of 8.5 μg/m³, 11.9 μg/m³ and 11.6 μg/m³ respectively. This put June in the cleanest position of the entire year, being the only month to make it into the World Health Organization's (WHO's) target goal of 10 μg/m³ or less for the most optimal level of air cleanliness.