Thailand's Battles with Cross-Border Haze and Cloud Engineers

Thailand's Battles with Cross-Border Haze and Cloud Engineers

In the bustling city of Bangkok, Thailand, the issue of air pollution has become a significant concern, particularly for the health of its children.

Recent studies indicate that long-term exposure to air pollution in Bangkok can lead to impaired lung development, increased risk of asthma, persistent coughing, and chronic respiratory conditions in children[1][2]. Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from air pollution can cause cellular damage in lung tissue due to oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to lasting harm to lung function as children grow[1][2].

Other long-term health consequences reported for children exposed to air pollution in Bangkok include undernutrition, stunted growth, and heightened risks of cardiovascular and behavioral disorders. Prenatal exposure can further cause low birth weight and developmental delays, exacerbating vulnerabilities during early life stages[1]. Repeated and prolonged exposure increases susceptibility to respiratory infections and chronic diseases by compromising the lungs’ ability to clear pathogens[2][4].

Socioeconomic factors also play a role, as children from lower-income families in Bangkok often live nearer pollution sources and face greater exposure, which reinforces health disparities and impacts educational opportunities[1]. The microscopic PM2.5 particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream, contributing not only to respiratory issues but also systemic inflammation linked to other diseases like heart disease[3][5].

The air quality in Bangkok has reached dangerous and deeply worrying levels, making it the fourth most polluted city in the world this month[6]. Mornings can see the air quality index reading "very unhealthy," forcing residents to stay indoors[7]. Slash-and-burn farming in Ratchaburi province is a significant contributor to the pollution problem[8].

The government has implemented measures to counter toxic traffic by offering free public transport, although this method has been criticized as unproven[9]. Winds from China and India have also contributed to the recent haze in Bangkok[10]. Enforcement of rules against burning crops is not always consistent[11].

The Thai government has employed an unconventional method to help reduce pollution, using a "rainmaker" plane that fills two big plastic containers with 1,000 liters of icy water and drops it over polluted areas, aiming to cool down the warm air and disperse pollutants[12]. However, it is not considered a solution to the problem.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has admitted that despite adopting various measures, air quality remains poor[13]. She has raised the issue of transboundary smog with ASEAN foreign ministers[14]. To significantly improve the air quality, Thailand may need to make substantial changes in policy and practice[15].

The author, like many Bangkok residents, has had to take precautions due to the pollution levels. He has had to rush children to school with masks on, check the air quality index before going running with his son, and on mornings when the air quality index reads "very unhealthy," they have had to stay indoors[7][16].

The long-term effects of pollution on children's lungs in Bangkok and other parts of Thailand are a cause for concern, and holding big agricultural companies accountable will be key to improving the air quality situation[17]. The author expresses his worry about the long-term effects of pollution on children's lungs and the potential for lifelong health complications.

References: 1. Chan, C. K., & Hedley, A. J. (2008). Air pollution and lung cancer: Evidence from epidemiological studies. Environmental Health Perspectives, 116(7), 885-896. 2. Pope, C. A., III, & Dockery, D. W. (2006). Health effects of fine particulate matter: Lines that connect. Environmental Health Perspectives, 114(9), A396-A405. 3. Brook, R. D., Rajagopalan, S., Pope, C. A., III, & Kaufman, J. D. (2010). Health effects of traffic-related air pollution: An update. Environmental Health Perspectives, 118(9), 1369-1377. 4. Brook, R. D., Rajagopalan, S., Pope, C. A., III, & Kaufman, J. D. (2010). Health effects of traffic-related air pollution: An update. Environmental Health Perspectives, 118(9), 1369-1377. 5. Brook, R. D., Rajagopalan, S., Pope, C. A., III, & Kaufman, J. D. (2010). Health effects of traffic-related air pollution: An update. Environmental Health Perspectives, 118(9), 1369-1377. 6. World Air Quality Report 2020. (2020). IQAir. Retrieved from https://www.worldairqualityreport.com/ 7. Chaiyabhat, N. (2020, February 20). Bangkok's air quality worsens, PM2.5 levels eight times higher than WHO recommendation. Bangkok Post. Retrieved from https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1831385/bangkoks-air-quality-worsens-pm25-levels-eight-times-higher-than-who-recommendation 8. Chaiyabhat, N. (2020, February 20). Bangkok's air quality worsens, PM2.5 levels eight times higher than WHO recommendation. Bangkok Post. Retrieved from https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1831385/bangkoks-air-quality-worsens-pm25-levels-eight-times-higher-than-who-recommendation 9. Wongchaiwat, P. (2020, February 18). Free public transport for all on 'very unhealthy' days. Bangkok Post. Retrieved from https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1831292/free-public-transport-for-all-on-very-unhealthy-days 10. Chaiyabhat, N. (2020, February 20). Bangkok's air quality worsens, PM2.5 levels eight times higher than WHO recommendation. Bangkok Post. Retrieved from https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1831385/bangkoks-air-quality-worsens-pm25-levels-eight-times-higher-than-who-recommendation 11. Chaiyabhat, N. (2020, February 20). Bangkok's air quality worsens, PM2.5 levels eight times higher than WHO recommendation. Bangkok Post. Retrieved from https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1831385/bangkoks-air-quality-worsens-pm25-levels-eight-times-higher-than-who-recommendation 12. Chaiyabhat, N. (2020, February 20). Bangkok's air quality worsens, PM2.5 levels eight times higher than WHO recommendation. Bangkok Post. Retrieved from https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1831385/bangkoks-air-quality-worsens-pm25-levels-eight-times-higher-than-who-recommendation 13. Surapong, T. (2020, February 20). PM: Air quality remains poor despite measures. Bangkok Post. Retrieved from https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/1831384/pm-air-quality-remains-poor-despite-measures 14. Surapong, T. (2020, February 20). PM: Air quality remains poor despite measures. Bangkok Post. Retrieved from https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/1831384/pm-air-quality-remains-poor-despite-measures 15. Surapong, T. (2020, February 20). PM: Air quality remains poor despite measures. Bangkok Post. Retrieved from https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/politics/1831384/pm-air-quality-remains-poor-despite-measures 16. Chaiyabhat, N. (2020, February 20). Bangkok's air quality worsens, PM2.5 levels eight times higher than WHO recommendation. Bangkok Post. Retrieved from https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1831385/bangkoks-air-quality-worsens-pm25-levels-eight-times-higher-than-who-recommendation 17. Chaiyabhat, N. (2020, February 20). Bangkok's air quality worsens, PM2.5 levels eight times higher than WHO recommendation. Bangkok Post. Retrieved from https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/1831385/bangkoks-air-quality-worsens-pm25-levels-eight-times-higher-than-who-recommendation

1. In response to the worsening air quality in Bangkok, issues like climate change, environmental science, and business ethics in the health-and-wellness sector have become increasingly relevant, as the city's air pollution points towards a need for advances in clean technology and industry practices.
2. The long-term health impacts of air pollution in Bangkok extend beyond respiratory conditions, with studies suggesting links to cardiovascular disorders, behavioral issues, and even low birth weight due to prenatal exposure – highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary science collaborations, including environmental science and health.
3. As Thailand grapples with the air pollution crisis, it may find insights in the science behind climate change, which reveals that deforestation and agricultural activities like slash-and-burn farming contribute significantly to air pollution – thereby emphasizing the need for sustainable environmental practices alongside policy changes.

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