Face masks handed out to people in haze-hit Thai North

MAE HONG SON, THAILAND, March 18 (TNA) - Some 30,000 face masks are being distributed to people in Mae Hong Son province, one of northern Thai provinces which have been hit by haze caused by forest fires and burning of weeds or grass. Dr. Paisarn Tanyawinichkul, chief of Mae Hong Son's public health office, told journalists of the move on Tuesday, saying that the face masks are handing out to locals at provincial hospitals and medical service units. Dr. Paisarn also recommended local people to temporarily suspend their outdoor exercises until the haze problem in the province eases to protect themselves from respiratory problems caused by the prevailing smog. According to the provincial public health chief, 31 hot spots have been detected in Mae Hong Son, including Pai district, one of the province's most popular tourist destinations, where dust particles up to 205 microgram per cubic metre on average over the past 24 hours were recorded, far exceeding the standard level of 120 microgram per cubic metre and hitting a peak for this year. Mae Hong Son’s public hospitals, meanwhile, reported 1,049 patients with heart or cardiovascular diseases and another 923 patients with respiratory illnesses from March 3-10. (TNA)