Northern Residents Suffer Haze-Related Respiratory Illness

The number of haze-related patients, as reported by government hospitals in the eight provinces, currently stands at 96,040.

Responding to the health problem, the ministry initially distributed over half a million masks to provincial health authorities. The 520,000 masks were being further distributed through the haze-blanketed provinces, Deputy Public Health Minister Narisara Chawaltanpipat said.

The eight provinces affected by haze and dust particles are Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Lamphun and Mae Hong Son.

Ms. Narisara explained that patients already with heart disease and respiratory problems are highly at-risk groups vulnerable to further negative effects from the smog particles.

She said that most people experiencing respiratory diffculties initially tend not to see doctors for checkups. If the air pollution from haze continues, the number of patients receiving medical treatment is likely to increase. Therefore, the ministry instructed local doctors and nurses to prepare medicines, and other medical equipment in case of emergency needs.

Ms. Narisara advised local residents to closely monitor the air pollution situation and wear masks before going outside because the less than 10 microgramme dust particles can pass into the lungs. Large accumulations of the smog particulate may cause lung cancer.

Meanwhile, levels of the dust and haze particles covering Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai continued to exceed the safety limits.

The Chiang Mai provincial seat recorded a level of dust particle at 162.2 microgrammes per cubic metre and the Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai reported the country’s highest level at 292.7 microgrammes.

In Chiang Mai, a government hospital set up a special clinic only for patients facing haze-related respiratory ailment in early March. About 2,000 people with respiratory problems seek medical treatment per day, according to the hospital.

Meanwhile, the royal artifcial rain-making operations centre in Chiang Mai is scheduled to make artifcial rain in Lampang on Friday.

The chemically-induced rain will relieve drought in 13 districts of Lampang and will reduce smog in the province, said Governor Supakit Boonyaritthipong.

All districts of the province are now disaster zones affected by drought, the governor said.