Small dust particles in Nan reach highest level in North

NAN, April 24 (TNA) – The level of particulate matter in Nan is beyond the safety standard and reaches the highest level among northern provinces. The air quality monitoring station in the Muang Nan municipality reported the level of small dust particles at 150 microgrammes per cubic metre, posing health threat to local people. The dust pollution started to affect motorcyclists and outdoor workers as they have eye irritation and itchy nose. A traffic police officer said he needed to wear anti dust masks while directing traffic in the morning and stationing at the police booth all day. He also has irritated eyes and itchy face. The wildfire prevention centre in Nan detected 69 hotspots in Tha Wang Pha district due to burning the land to clear it for cultivation. The fire caused damage to 40 rai (16 acres) of forest land. In Pua district, the same practice of burning was conducted after the three-month burn ban expired on April 15. Farmers burn weed to prepare for corn planting before the rainy season. It is the main cause of the smog, which blankets the province. (TNA)