Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: High concentrations of particulate matter (PM) in ambient air above the Air Quality Index (AQI) are notified as air pollution affecting human health. The classification of particulate matters was classified according to the aerodynamic diameter, ranging from the biggest particle size to the smallest particle size into PM10, PM2.5, and PM0.1. Currently, Thailand is facing air pollution, particularly outdoor air pollution, as the result of ambient PM2.5. The situation of PM2.5 pollution is projected to increase in the urbanization not only in Bangkok but also in other provinces. Inhalation exposure to PM2.5 at the concentration of 37.6-75.0 µg/m³ affected human health and had an adverse effect on the respiratory system attributed to clinical manifestations such as coughing and dyspnea. Exposure to PM2.5can penetrate deeply into the lower respiratory tract and trachea, causing inflammatory response and oxidative epithelial cell damage. Moreover, chronic exposure to PM2.5 increases the risk of respiratory tract infection and the ongoing of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It has been reported that the prevalence of respiratory diseases and COPD was 41% in 2019. Therefore, the use of individual protection such as N95 face mask is necessary. Reducing and limiting PM-emitted source policy should be introduced for preventing air pollution in the long term, such as the use of electric power and urban development planning to reduce pollution.
Author: Chotklang, Nahathai
Language: Thai
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7220176070