Smog 'doubles Chiang Mai lung cancer threat'
The Nation/ANN
The annual risk rate for lung cancer among the population in the North
is now 40 per 100,000 people - compared to 20 per 100,000 people in
other regions, said Assoc Professor Phongthep Wiwatthanadej.
Up to 600 Chiang Mai residents will face lung cancer risk each year,
out of a total population of 1.7 million people living in this
northern province.
Phongthep said his theory was not supported yet by any research, but
said the constant smog exposure had subjected Chiang Mai locals to
lung cancer risk, especially those living in Saraphee district, where
the highest risk rate was reported.
The rate suffered by women in the district was one the highest in the
world, he said without elaborating.
The doctor was speaking at a local seminar held by Chiang Mai
University to address the ongoing smog, which is now covering the
province more heavily, causing greater health concerns for locals.
More and more cases of hospital treatment for those suffering from
smog are reported, which mostly involves respiratory problems and
irritation to patients' eyes.
The other provinces affected by the smog, which is caused by forest
and manmade fires, are Lampang, Lamphun, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok,
Sukhothai and Phetchabun.
Part of the smog is travelling from Burma.
Duangjan Arphawatcharut, a CMU researcher, said honey producers and
bee farmers suffered a 70percent loss in revenue after flowers bloomed
for only two days before the smog hit the North.
Global warming had been already disturbing the bees' activities
beforehand.
In neighbouring Chiang Rai, the safety status will be announced in
areas where dust density exceeds a safe level of 200 micrograms per
cubic meter.
The existing dust density level is now far from reaching that stage
but local civil disaster officers are monitoring the situation.
-The Nation / Asia News Network |