ISSN : 2663-2187

AN ASSESSMENT OF ANNUAL RESPIRATORY DISEASE ATTRIBUTABLE TO AMBIENT PM2.5 IN NORTHERN REGION, THAILAND

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Pakaphorn Ngamsang, Sawaeng Kawichai, Anurak Wongta, Natthapol Kosachunhanan, Tasida Tasawang, Kanokwan Kulprachakarn
» doi: 10.33472/AFJBS.6.11.2024.1704-1710

Abstract

PM2.5 is among the air pollutants that pose a significant health risk to the population, particularly in the northern region of Thailand, where the average concentration of PM2.5 exceeds both Thai standards (15µ/m3) and those set by the World Health Organization (WHO) standards (5µ/m3). The objective of this research is to assess the health impact of PM2.5 on the number of respiratory disease patients in the northern region of Thailand in 2023, utilizing the Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program (BenMAP). It was found that elevated levels of PM2.5 significantly increased the number of respiratory disease patients. In 2023, the northern region recorded a total of 126,484 respiratory disease patients, including both males and females. However, upon analysis, it was determined that controlling PM2.5 levels to meet Thai and WHO standards could help reduce the occurrence of respiratory diseases. Specifically, it could decrease the number of patients to 13,049, representing a 10.36% reduction, and to 19,367, representing a 15.38% reduction, respectively. The results of this research may provide valuable data to support the development of policies and measures aimed at reducing air pollution, there by sustainably reducing its adverse health impacts on the population in the northern region of Thailand

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