With the acknowledgement of PM2.5 as a pressing national concern, as evidenced by the cabinet’s resolution in 2019, the Pollution Control Department has taken proactive measures to develop an extensive action plan to effectively combat the adverse effects of particulate matter on public health and the environment.
As part of this comprehensive strategy, the Pollution Control Department has been dedicated to developing specific policies and initiatives aimed at mitigating and preventing particulate pollution. The department has prioritised the implementation of practical solutions, raising awareness about the dangers of PM2.5, and conducting extensive research to gain a deeper understanding of the health effects linked to airborne particulate matter.
Under the leadership of Dr Wiyong Kangwansupamonkon, a Principal Researcher at the National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), a significant project was embarked on to conduct an extensive study on PM2.5 pollution in the bustling city of Bangkok. This project, funded by the National Research Council of Thailand, was specifically designed to delve into the intricate details of particulate matter’s size distribution and chemical composition.
The primary objective of this comprehensive endeavour was to gather crucial data and obtain insightful results that would serve as valuable evidence, facilitating the development of additional measures to enhance the efficiency of area-based management.
The findings and outcomes of this meticulous study hold the potential to revolutionise pollution control efforts by providing a solid foundation for informed decision-making. Supplied with a deeper understanding of the size distribution, and chemical composition of particles, policymakers and environmental authorities will be provided with the crucial evidence to shape and implement strategies aimed at preventing and reducing pollution at its very source.
By harnessing the understanding gained from this research, it will become much more possible and realistic for Thailand’s government to foster a holistic approach when it comes to pollution management policy. By gaining valuable data from quantifiable and precise problems, it can enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness in combatting the urgent issue of PM2.5 pollution recently.
Dr Rattaporn explained that this advanced equipment utilised in this study possesses the remarkable capability to collect and distinguish particles of various sizes, encompassing a comprehensive range from PM0.1 to PM>10. This cutting-edge technology surpasses the capabilities of conventional air samplers commonly found in the market, which typically focus on capturing particles of only one specific size. This innovative equipment empowers researchers to acquire a more thorough and accurate understanding of the particulate matter present in the environment by incorporating multiple-size fractions.
With the capability to organise and separate particles into distinct size categories, including PM0.1, PM0.1-0.5, PM0.5-1, PM1-2.5, PM2.5-10, and PM>10, this cutting-edge innovation will ultimately provide an invaluable understanding of the composition and distribution to pollutants.
In light of this extensive approach, scientists and environmental experts can comprehensively analyse the different fractions of particulate matter, shedding light on the sources, behaviour, and potential effects on the environment, particularly on human health. By harnessing this advanced technology, the study obtains a significant advantage in terms of data accuracy and completeness, contributing to a subtle understanding of particulate pollution dynamics.
“This research has revealed comprehensive data that can be utilised by policymakers for the formulation of public policies, as well as by health authorities to examine the health effects associated with particulate matter,” Dr Rattaporn concluded.