Work

Spatial assessment of PM2.5 exposure and health risks in Upper Northern Thailand: Implications for public health

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Upper Northern Thailand experiences recurrent seasonal PM 2.5 pollution, particularly during periods of biomass burning. This study assessed the spatial and seasonal distribution of ambient PM 2.5 concentrations and health risks across eight provinces during 2021–2023. Non-carcinogenic risk was evaluated using hazard quotients (HQs) relative to PM 2.5 benchmarks established by the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), and Thailand’s National Environment Board (NEB) standards. The regional mean (± SD ) PM 2.5 concentration was 27.57 ± 23.40 µg/m 3 (range, 8.40–78.64 µg/m 3 ). Mean HQs were higher in the dry season than in the rainy season, increasing from 1.19 ± 0.23 to 4.31 ± 1.22 for WHO guidelines, from 0.50 ± 0.10 to 1.80 ± 0.51 for U.S. NAAQS, and from 0.24 ± 0.05 to 0.86 ± 0.24 for NEB standards. The PM 2.5 concentrations and HQs varied greatly among provinces and seasons, with the highest values in the dry season. The results show that there are large differences in space and time of PM 2.5 exposure in Upper Northern Thailand, and the dry season is the time of greatest exposure. Spatially resolved assessment of PM 2.5 can help identify areas and periods requiring closer air-quality surveillance and targeted exposure-reduction measures.

Source: Toxicology Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2026.102360

Authors: Sarawut Sangkham, Worradorn Phairuang, Anh Tuan Ta

Institutions: University of Phayao, Kanazawa University, Chiang Mai University, Mahidol University

Language: English

Topic: Air Quality and Health Impacts

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,530