Lao gov't warns of dangerous air pollution

Xinhua
25 Mar 2023, 02:05 GMT+10

VIENTIANE, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Lao Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has issued a notice warning residents across the country to stay vigilant against air pollution.

According to the notice issued on Thursday, the pollution had reached dangerous levels in Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Luang Namtha, Bokeo, Lao capital Vientiane, Khammuan and Savannakhet provinces.

The notice stated that stubble burning and wildfires are causing dangerous levels of air pollution in many regions of Laos, especially in northern Laos' Luang Prabang province.

The concentration of fine dust, known as PM 2.5, which is particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, surpasses the safety level.

Data registered on Friday morning showed Luang Prabang's air quality index had reached an unhealthy level, with the PM 2.5 concentration in the city hitting 209 micrograms per cubic meter.

In mid-February, Luang Prabang's authorities reported a landfill fire, causing clouds of smoke in the city of Luang Prabang, some 220 km north of the Lao capital Vientiane, and nearby areas.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment suggested residents in areas affected by air pollution limit outdoor activities and wear a mask outdoors.

Burning all forms of waste during the dry season is strictly prohibited as this contributes to air pollution, according to the notice.

PM 2.5 can lodge in the lungs and enter blood vessels, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular disease.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Cambodian Times.

More Information

28 ℃

Mostly Cloudy in Phnom-Penh

International

Section

US to get tough as drone disrupts Pittsburgh airport

WASHINGTON D.C.: The Federal Aviation Administration has said that a drone sighting disrupted some flights at Pittsburgh International Airport this ...

New Oregon gun law being challenged in court case

PORTLAND, Oregon: A federal trial has begun in Portland, Oregon examining the constitutionality of a stringent gun control law approved ...

After removing Columbus statue, Philadelphia sued for return

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania: Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and members of the city's historical commission have been sued by a group which ...

Area evacuated as wildfire burns thru Michigan

LANSING, Michigan: Michigan's Department of Natural Resources said by a wildfire in the state has burned through more than 3 ...

Official: airlines industry acting to prevent cancellations

ISTANBUL, Turkey: In an interview with Reuters, Willie Walsh, director-general of the International Air Transport Association, (IATA), said airlines are ...

Protesting Texans send migrants to California

SACRAMENTO, California: Sixteen migrants from Venezuela and Colombia, who had entered the United States through Texas, were transported to California ...

Sports

Section