Smoke, Smog, Dust 2014 Chiang Mai

[Tywais 12,116]

New 2014 topic for fire & smoke conditions in Chiang Mai.

Members can report the conditions in their area and updates of the pollution numbers (PCD) and questions in this topic. Also published news updates regarding local conditions.

Regional Daily Air Quality Data
aqmthai.com Air Quality Index

Air Quality Standards Thailand

Smoke, Smog, Dust 2013 Chiang Mai for reference.

[Tywais 12,116]

Fire Map - automatically updates every 8 hours from remote link.

[connda 17,375]

We haven't even got to Jan 2014 and I can barely see Doi Suthep. Looks like we're starting early.

With that said, my wife really has problems when the air quality gets bad. She used a cloth mask last year which had minimal effect. Anyone have a recommendation for breathing masks that a lightweight but still able to adequately filter the particulate out of the air, and where can I buy one in Chiang Mai.

[maderaroja 293]

I recommend the following URL: http://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?SearchText=Breathing+mask&catId=0&initiative_id=SB_20131229050154

[DogNo1 1,351]

I've ordered other items from AliExpress. Please be aware that your purchase can take a month to reach you if you select the free shipping. It sounds as though you need the masks right away so it may be wise to pay for expedited shipping.

[Tokay 1,454]

Just HORRIBLE this morning. I'm near Doi Suthep and it's the worst I've seen it in a while. I can't see a silhouette of the mountain. 7:16am.

[Gnasher328 69]

Home Pro on the Hang Dong road have a good selection from the paper type to industrial into the safety equipment section.

[connda 17,375]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[connda 17,375]

With all the particulate in the air it makes it difficult to see Doi Suthep from downtown Chiang Mai, but it sure does make for a pretty sunset.

[Jose 353]

Q:

How effective are face masks in polluted areas?

Seeing the pictures of the pollution in Beijing, I was wondering if anyone knew how effective masks are at filtering out the nasty bits. Do they make a difference?

A:

The constitution of those "nasty bits" is extremely variable by location and atmospheric condition. There are many constituents to air pollution including very large particles (i.e. dust), particulate matter (ranging form course-ultrafine), and various organic vapors. The problem is that most of the serious health concerns for air pollution (SOx,NOx, UF PM , industrial organic vapors) are not filtered by N95 masks. Those masks only catch the "big" stuff. There are no face masks that will help you that you'd like to be seen wearing around in public (unless you're in post apocalyptic somewhere).

The best option is to minimize exposure. Don't go out during periods of heavy pollution, turn car air recycling on, and use an indoor HEPA filter is you can. This is a serious concern for everyone, but especially for those with any compromise in their respiratory or cardiovascular function (asthmatics, elderly, COPD...).

People don't get how serious this issue is. Beyond causing immediate health effects (eyes burning, shortness of breath, asthma initiation), many known air pollutants are now linking to heart disease, cancer, and many other health effects.

[Jose 353]

Anyone seen any of these around CM?

[T_Dog 1,950]

2014 might be a bad smoke year as the underbrush up in the hills is quite dense this year. A few mountain biking trails got so overgrown with the late rains that we had to do a few hours of bush knife work to get them open again. I figure we'll start seeing the hills ablaze in a few weeks. Farmers are already well into burning their rice straw which is already making for somewhat reduced visibilities. Here's a photo from about an hour ago.

[MESmith 4,601]

2014 might be a bad smoke year as the underbrush up in the hills is quite dense this year. A few mountain biking trails got so overgrown with the late rains that we had to do a few hours of bush knife work to get them open again. I figure we'll start seeing the hills ablaze in a few weeks. Farmers are already well into burning their rice straw which is already making for somewhat reduced visibilities. Here's a photo from about an hour ago.

Really pi$$es me off when they burn at night. At least in early afternoon there's some wind to disperse the smoke.

[SoloFlyer 52]

Any thoughts on air/filters / cleaners / humidifiers for kids? Our little one gets a pretty bad cough at the best of times ... would a humidifier for her room help? any recommendations?

[connda 17,375]

Couldn't see Doi Suthep from downtown today. Took a drive up to the top this afternoon. I wasn't able to make out the outlines of the mountain until I got to Huey Kaow and Nimmanhaemin Road. We could use a weather change and some wind to clear this inversion layer of smog out.