Take a deep breath

With airborne particles hovering at dangerously high levels, people in Samut Prakan, Nonthaburi, Saraburi, Samut Sakhon and Pathum Thani should think twice before exercising outdoors.

"Children, elderly people and those with respiratory problems should avoid outdoor activities," Pollution Control Department director general Supat Wangwongwattana said yesterday.

To improve air quality in these provinces, Supat suggested that locals should try to cut down private vehicle use and refrain from burning anything in open areas.

Hazard to health

Supat warned the pollution in the provinces was serious enough to damage people's health.

A test in Saraburi has shown that there is up to 199.9 micrograms of particulate matter in a cubic metre of air. Experts consider anything above 120 micrograms per cubic metre to be unsafe.

Supat added that many areas of Bangkok were also suffering high pollution levels.

A test done in Din Daeng district showed up to 142 micrograms of particulate matter per cubic metre.