Over 1000 Fell Sick due to Air Pollution in Bankok, in 5 days (March, 2014)

During March 16-22, more than 1000 people became sick from air pollution caused by a landfill fire in Samut Prakan, says the Ministry of Public Health.

From the National News Bureau of Thailand

According to Public Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Dr Narong Sahametapat, authorities have been successful in extinguishing the fire that broke out at a garbage landfill in Samut Prakan Province. He however said the fire had caused dust particle levels to exceed the safety standards of 120 micrograms per cubic meter, forcing families living near the site to evacuate.


Approximately 1,200 people reportedly fell ill during March 16-22, when the situation was severe, with most of victims suffering from eye, nose, and throat irritations.

He further disclosed that a 20-month-old baby had to be treated for lung infection. Fortunately, it was just a minor infection and the baby has already been released from the hospital.