Chiang Mai Air Pollution: Safe For Children?

Chiang Mai, Thailand, is known for its poor air quality, with high levels of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) and PM10 (respirable particulate matter) that often exceed safe limits. This has sparked concerns among residents, particularly parents, about the potential health risks for their children. While some choose to leave the city during periods of high air pollution, others opt to stay indoors with air purifiers and wear masks when outdoors. However, the effectiveness of these measures in protecting children's health is uncertain, and the issue of air pollution in Chiang Mai remains a cause for worry among locals.

Chiang Mai's air pollution is a health hazard for children

Chiang Mai's air pollution is a serious health hazard, particularly for children. The city's air quality index (AQI) often falls within the moderate range, with certain pollutants, such as PM2.5, exceeding safe limits. While the levels may be deemed "acceptable" for the general population, children are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution due to their developing lungs and immune systems.

PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter, which includes dust, dirt, soot, and liquid droplets, with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less. These tiny particles can be inhaled deep into the lungs, causing respiratory issues and other health problems. In Chiang Mai, the PM2.5 levels have frequently been recorded above the safe limit of 50 micrograms per cubic metre of air, reaching code-red levels in certain areas. This is a significant concern as exposure to elevated levels of PM2.5 can lead to coughing, shortness of breath, and an increased risk of developing asthma and other respiratory illnesses.

Children in Chiang Mai have voiced their concerns about the poor air quality, demanding action from authorities. They have initiated campaigns, such as the #CleanAirAct, to raise awareness and call for improvements. Their efforts highlight the urgency of the situation and the need for effective measures to reduce air pollution and protect children's health.

While indoor air purifiers and masks can provide some protection, they may not be sufficient to fully safeguard children from the harmful effects of air pollution. Families with the means to do so have opted to relocate temporarily or permanently to areas with better air quality. For those who remain in Chiang Mai, the constant worry about their children's health and the need to take extra precautions can be stressful and disruptive to their daily lives.

Addressing Chiang Mai's air pollution is crucial to ensure the well-being of its youngest residents. It requires a collective effort from government agencies, local communities, and individuals to implement sustainable solutions and improve the air quality, creating a healthier environment for children to grow up in.

Annual fires in Thailand contribute to poor air quality

Thailand, especially the northern region, has been facing air pollution issues for years, with particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) levels exceeding the safe limit of 50 micrograms per cubic metre of air. Chiang Mai, the northern capital, has been affected the most, with its residents, including children, suffering from respiratory diseases, skin irritations, and eye infections.

Annual fires in Thailand, including forest fires and crop residue burning, are major contributors to the country's poor air quality. Forest fires rage across the country during the annual slash-and-burn farming season, which usually takes place between December and April. In 2023, smoke from these fires blanketed northern Thailand in thick pollution, with Chiang Mai ranking as the world's most polluted city for seven days straight, according to the Air Quality Index (AQI).

Crop residue burning is also a significant source of air pollution in Thailand. The country's agricultural sector, particularly in the north-eastern region, produces large amounts of rice, and the open burning of rice residues generates a considerable amount of air pollutants. Sugarcane cultivation and processing also contribute to air pollution, as the industry uses sugarcane residue as fuel for boilers.

The impact of these annual fires on the health of Thai residents, especially children, cannot be overstated. In Chiang Mai, a hospital reached full capacity as people presented with respiratory issues caused by air pollution. Children and parents in the city have demanded action from the government, even initiating a Facebook campaign with the hashtag #CleanAirAct to express their concerns.

While some families choose to leave Chiang Mai during the peak pollution season, others cannot afford to do so and are forced to accept the trade-off of living with poor air quality for the low cost of living that Thailand offers. However, the lack of action and the normalisation of air pollution during certain times of the year are concerning, and more needs to be done to address this annual issue.

Children and parents demand action against air pollution

Children and their parents in Chiang Mai are fed up with the poor air quality in the northern capital and have started a Facebook campaign with the hashtag #CleanAirAct. The campaign features photos of participants holding "anti-PM2.5 dust" flags, demanding immediate action. The campaign organiser, Pharadon Phonamnuai, highlights that the North has endured severe haze problems for a decade without receiving adequate attention from authorities, scholars, or the international media.

Young locals, nicknamed Pleng, Plodpran, Cin, Pitta, and Tonkla, initiated the project with their parents, conveying a clear message: "we don't want PM2.5 dust." Their demand for clean air underscores the urgency of addressing the region's air quality issues.

The level of PM2.5 in Chiang Mai has exceeded the safe limit of 50 micrograms per cubic metre of air, according to the Pollution Control Department. This prolonged exposure to high levels of PM2.5 is causing concern among residents, especially those with children. One parent expressed worry about the long-term health effects, reporting that their child has been coughing frequently.

While some families have chosen to leave Chiang Mai temporarily or relocate to other countries to escape the pollution, not everyone has the means to do so. For those who remain, indoor air purifiers and masks offer some protection, but the effectiveness of these measures is questionable, especially in poorly sealed and insulated homes.

The situation in Chiang Mai underscores the need for collective action and systemic solutions to address air pollution and safeguard the health and well-being of children and families in the region.

Air purifiers and masks may not be enough protection

Air purifiers and masks are commonly used to protect against air pollution. While they can be effective, they may not provide complete protection, especially in areas with extremely high pollution levels like Chiang Mai, Thailand.

In Chiang Mai, air pollution is a significant concern, with PM2.5 levels frequently exceeding safe limits. This fine particulate matter can have severe health impacts, and both locals and expatriates have expressed worry about the long-term effects on their health, especially for children.

While air purifiers are often used indoors, they may not be sufficient in poorly sealed and insulated homes, which are common in Thailand. Air purifiers can help reduce indoor air pollution, but if the home is not properly sealed, polluted air can continuously enter, overwhelming the purifier's capacity.

Masks, such as the N95, KN95, or FFP2 varieties, can be highly effective at filtering out fine particles and protecting against air pollution. However, their effectiveness depends on a proper seal and correct usage. Ill-fitting masks or those without a tight seal can allow unfiltered air to bypass the mask, reducing their protective capabilities. Additionally, masks may not always filter out all toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide, and additional protective measures like eyewear may be necessary.

Furthermore, over-reliance on masks can lead to neglecting other protective behaviours, such as avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollution times. Discomfort or difficulty breathing while wearing masks may also cause individuals to remove them, exposing themselves to pollutants.

Therefore, while air purifiers and masks can be beneficial, they may not offer complete protection against air pollution, especially in severely polluted areas like Chiang Mai. Combining these measures with other protective behaviours and ensuring proper usage is essential for maximising protection against air pollution.

Moving away from Chiang Mai as a short-term solution

Chiang Mai, Thailand, is known for its poor air quality, with airborne pollutants that are 20 times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) standard. The city has consistently topped the list of the world's most polluted cities, with PM2.5 levels exceeding the safe limit of 50 micrograms per cubic metre of air. The issue has gained international attention, with CNN and other networks highlighting the severity of the problem. While some tourists have chosen to avoid Chiang Mai due to air quality concerns, residents, particularly parents, are increasingly concerned about the health impacts, especially on children.

For families with children in Chiang Mai, the air pollution poses a difficult challenge. Some parents have expressed worry about the potential long-term health effects of living in such polluted conditions, and the effectiveness of short-term solutions like air purifiers and masks is questionable.

• Malaysia: One family mentioned relocating to Malaysia, where they experienced better air quality due to the absence of fires.
• Southern Thailand: For those who wish to remain in Thailand, moving to an area further south may provide some relief from pollution. However, it's important to research specific destinations, as air quality can vary within the country.
• The Philippines: The Philippines can be a good temporary escape during the most polluted times of the year in Chiang Mai. While Manila may have occasional air quality issues, it is generally not as severe as Chiang Mai.
• Japan: Japan is suggested as a potential alternative, as PM2.5 levels are typically lower there, although they can still be high at times.

While relocating can provide temporary relief from Chiang Mai's air pollution, it is important to recognize that this may not be a feasible long-term solution for all families. Additionally, as air pollution is a persistent issue in Chiang Mai, addressing the root causes through local action and pressure is crucial for sustainable improvement.

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