Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Unhealthy Levels of Smog Choke Thai Capital for Over Week

Associated Press

   BANGKOK - Unhealthy levels of smog have choked Bangkok for more than a
   week, as the Thai capital's residents fume over the ineffectiveness of
   government measures to combat the problem.

   As thick haze blanketed the city Monday, pollution levels soared to 95
   micrograms per cubic meter of PM 2.5 particle at noon in some areas,
   according to the government's Pollution Control Department, which
   described that level as very unhealthy. The maximum level considered
   safe by the government is 50.

   PM 2.5 particles are small enough to penetrate deeply into the lungs,
   which can cause both short-term bronchial problems as well as serious
   long-term health issues.

   Bangkok's smog crisis results from still air and an excessive amount of
   ultrafine dust from vehicle emissions and other activities, Pollution
   Control Department Director-General Pralong Damrongthai explained in a
   Monday press release. He said smog is being trapped close to the ground
   by a blanket of warm air in what meteorologists call an inversion.

.