Air quality in Bang Khon Thi

Is there pollution in the air in Bang Khon Thi now?

Observing the current air pollution levels in Bang Khon Thi taken towards the end of 2021, it can be seen that US AQI readings of 161 were recorded, a significant number that would place Bang Khon Thi into the 'unhealthy' air quality rating bracket, which as the name suggests can cause adverse health effects to occur across all members of the population, with more vulnerable groups suffering from the worse side effect. Those who are more at risk will be discussed in the following questions, so certain groups can take extra precautions during these times of significantly elevated pollution levels. Whilst Bang Khon Thi will not maintain such a high level of air pollution throughout the year, there may be many spikes in air pollution seen towards the end of the year, which is a common theme throughout the country due to one main factor, compounded by other polluting causes. Readings taken from the beginning of December 2021 up to halfway through the month show definitive elevations present, and as such preventative measures should be put into place to lessen one’s pollution exposure in Bang Khon Thi.

What chemical or particle-based pollutants can be found in the air in Bang Khon Thi?

Some examples of air pollutants that can be found permeating the atmosphere in Bang Khon Thi include black carbon, along with volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Due to both of these pollutants being released from the incomplete or poor combustion of both organic material as well as fossil fuels, they can be found in significantly larger quantities in many areas that see any degree of industrial activities taking place, or anywhere that has some form of burning taking place. Black carbon has many dangerous side effects when it enters the human body (as well as affecting the flora and fauna of areas surrounding Bang Khon Thi. Furthermore, black carbon also has a warming effect on the atmosphere, due to its ability to absorb solar radiation and release it directly as heat. Examining so of the aforementioned VOCs, some examples of these chemical compounds include benzene, styrene, methylene chloride, xylene, toluene as well as formaldehyde. These all come with many adverse health effects when breathed, or even with exposure to skin taking place. Other pollutants include those that go into making up the US AQI index, which are main chemical compounds such as nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone (smog), carbon monoxide and both PM10 and PM2.5.

Does pollution present more of a risk to certain people?

Whilst many people may be more adept at living under more polluted conditions in Bang Khon Thi (although not without there being a constant risk factor to their health, particularly during certain months of the year when the pollution levels rise by a significant amount) there are many varied groups of people that can be considered as being at higher risk to negative health issues, part of the at-risk or sensitive groups bracket. These include groups such as the elderly, particularly if they have any conditions that lead to poorer overall levels of health, with cardiac and pulmonary conditions being of primary importance when it comes to understanding how safe an individual will be when exposed to air pollution. Other groups include children, babies, as well as pregnant women, all of whom can develop many adverse health effects when certain fumes, smoke and other noxious pollutants are breathed, either over shorter periods or in more serious cases, consistently over many years. Due to the aforementioned pollutants having a myriad of properties that damage the nervous system as well as the lungs and respiratory tract, along with the heart and other organs, stunted growth, both mental and physical can occur amongst younger people, as well as babies that are still being in the womb being exposed to pollution that enters their mother’s body. Others that may also be more at risk are people that have pre-existing health conditions, with ones that compromise the immune system being more prominent. With poor immune systems, simple coughs and upper or lower respiratory infections may develop into life-threatening ailments. As such, these groups may wish to take extra care during bouts of high air pollution in Bang Khon Thi, taking preventative measures when pollution levels rise to any significant degree as shown on the forecasts and current air quality readings shown both on this page as well as the AirVisual app.

What causes air quality levels to drop and pollution levels to rise in Bang Khon Thi?

The main causes of air pollution in Bang Khon Thi are those that come from the numerous forms of burning, or combustion taking place across many industrial sites and other similar sources. Of note is that there is the well-known issue of open burn sites or slash and burn farming practices taking place. These can cause pollution levels to spike rapidly as the air becomes permeated with smoke and haze released from the burning, with secondary pollutants such as ozone, or smog as it is more commonly referred to, being formed as a result of many chemical pollutants being exposed to solar radiation, thus forcing a reaction to take place, leading to the buildup of ozone. Whilst this (slash and burn farming practices) is far more prevalent in the northern provinces of Thailand, it can also affect many other areas throughout the country. With noteworthy elevations in air pollution recorded during the years end, when the burning season typically starts to take place, continuing into the early months of the following year, it can be observed on pollution reading charts that this practice takes a heavy toll on the air quality in Bang Khon Thi. However, besides this cause of pollution, many others can contribute to increased US AQI and PM2.5 readings. These include emissions from cars, buses, trucks and lorries, with the larger vehicles often running on diesel fuel. Older vehicles that remain in use throughout Thailand, particularly in areas outside of major cities, can further contribute to pollution levels, due to poor quality and heavily aged engines putting out far more noxious oil vapors and particles than newer or better quality models may do. Other sources of air pollution in Bang Khon Thi include emissions from power plants and factories, both of which can also rely on fossil fuels such as natural gas and coal for their power, along with large amounts of fine particles often being released from construction sites and road repairs, which if poorly maintained can lead to large elevations in the particle pollution count present in the surrounding areas.

What health issues can stem from breathing excessive amounts of polluted air in Bang Khon Thi?

Health effects that may occur to individuals that have excessive amounts of pollution exposure in Bang Khon Thi include irritation to both the skin as well as exposed mucous membranes (eyes, ears, nose and mouth), with acne, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis all being possible side effects of constant bombardment from harmful pollutants and chemicals in the air. Other more serious health issues include increased risk of infections of the respiratory tract, leading to dry coughs, irritation, as well as the development of illnesses that fall under the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) bracket. Some of these include aggravated forms of asthma and bronchitis, as well as pneumonia and emphysema. Cancer rates may also go up, along with inhabitants having an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and even premature death, with a large number of people succumbing to pollution-related health problems throughout Bang Khon Thi and the rest of Thailand annually.