Dear Editor,
Air pollution in Chiang Mai has become a big problem. It
is rising to a dangerous level. The maximum level of suspended particles of
pollution is 120 micron/cubic meter, but after March 13, 2005, the dust
level has increased up to 151.2 microns/cubic meter in Chiang Mai, which
means that the pollution is 20.6% above the healthy level.
When there is too much pollution in the air, it is very
dangerous for the people’s health, because it can irritate their air
passages and their lungs. The pollution often remains in the lungs and can
worsen such respiratory problems, such as asthma and bronchitis.
People produce most of the wastes that cause air
pollution by driving everywhere and using Tuk Tuks, which create a lot of
air pollution. A lot of people in Chiang Mai burn their garbage. For those
who don’t know, burning garbage creates a lot of air pollution. All that
black smoke that comes out is very bad for the air pollution and your
health.
Pollution is VERY DANGEROUS. In 2001, the pollution in
Bangkok caused 3,300 premature deaths, and led to almost 17,000 hospital
admissions, at a total health care of up to 6.3 billion dollars.
The government has established a 24 hour call center to
receive calls about the forest fires and garbage burning. The problem with
the call service is that many foreigners called and officers did not
understand what they were saying. I called there myself and they did not
speak a word of English.
People should stop burning garbage. It doesn’t cost
that much to pay for your garbage to be put away safely without harming the
environment. Chiang Mai is a very nice place; you don’t have to always
ride in your car around town. You could walk or ride a songtaew with many
other people, so you can do some good to the environment. Since Chiang Mai
has more and more tourists coming, I believe that the call center should
hire some English-speaking people.
Ioana Paduret (Wawa)
