Illustrative image (Photo: Pattayamail) PM2.5 – airborne particles less than 2.5 micrometres indiameter – can cause health risks, especially for young children, pregnantwomen, the elderly, and people with chronic lung disease. Thailand’s safetylevel for PM2.5 is 50 micrograms per cubic metre of air (μg/m3).
The navy said the machines, built at its Naval DockyardDepartment, are based on the prototype developed by Rajaprajanugroh Foundationand were placed in 13 areas of the city that reported high levels of airpollution over the past few days.
Each machine can filter five cubic metres of air per second,the navy said. Lab results show that each machine can lower the PM2.5 level inan area of 144 cubic metres to below 50 μg/m3 in 30 minutes.
They can also filter most germs, bacteria and viruses,including the COVID-19 virus, as well as aromatic hydrocarbons in nearby areaswithin 30 minutes, the navy said.
On February 4, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration reportedthat the PM2.5 level in the past 24 hours ranged from 28 to 58 μg/m3 and thatoverall air quality was “good”.
Eastern Bangkok, including Nong Chok, Lat Krabang, and BuengKum districtsm reported the highest levels of PM2.5 – from 49-58 μg/m3./.
VNA
