Haze in the north improving

BANGKOK, April 26 (TNA) -- Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) said the haze situation in the eight upper northern provinces are improving, with small particulate or PM10 level measured at only 50-86 µg/m3, well within the standard limit of 120 µg/m3. Permanent Secretary for Public Health Ministry Dr Sophon Mekthon said he has been monitoring the haze situation in Chiang Mai province closely, noting that data presented by the Pollution Control Department (PCD) yesterday had shown great improvement, with the average level of PM10 in the area standing between 50-86 µg/m3. He said the level of PM10 in Chaing Mai's provincial seat and Mae Chaem districts were also measured at only 63-78 µg/m3. At the same time, the permanent secretary has reiterated to all public health offices in the eight affected provinces of Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Nan, Payao, Prae, Mae Hong Son, Lampang, Lamphun, as well as the Disease Prevention and Control Office in Chiang Mai to continue to give face masks to affected victims of the haze. He said concerned offices should also organise mobile medical teams to provide services in affected areas. prepare evacuation centres, along with be ready to coordinate for evacuation when needed. Clean Rooms should also be organised at every district for risk groups of children, the elderly, pregnant women, and patients with asthma. Chief of Chiang Mai Public Health Office's Dr Paisarn Thanyawinichkul said a total of 7,325 patients were admitted into 24 hospitals across the province last week as they were affected by the haze, with a daily average of about 1,000, though none of the cases were serious. (END)