Bangkok, The Pollution Control Department launches a campaign ‘Reduce pollution, increase auspiciousness’ for the Chinese New Year festival. By lighting incense sticks and burning silver and gold paper. Will cause dust, toxic gases, and some carcinogens. Therefore, it is recommended to change – reduce materials – reduce the time to light incense and light firecrackers, reduce the amount of silver and gold paper burned. To reduce toxic fumes Increase cleanliness and good health
Ms. Preeyaporn Suwannakes, Director-General of the Pollution Control Department (PDC), revealed that according to Chinese New Year tradition, incense will be lit. Light fireworks/firecrackers Burning gold and silver paper To respect ancestors and gods at home, shrines, and various places. These activities cause air pollution that is a silent threat to public health. Many studies indicate that Burning incense sticks and burning silver and gold paper There will be small dust, toxic gases, volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, which i
nclude some carcinogens. and other pollutants that may affect health if exposed in excessive amounts Initial symptoms include irritation of the eyes and respiratory system (sore eyes, stuffy nose, sneezing, coughing, throat irritation) and if exposed for a long period of time, more severe effects may occur.
Maj. Gen. Patcharawat Wongsuwan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment There is concern about public health and the PM 2.5 dust problem related to Chinese New Year activities. We invite you to change traditional methods into new approaches. To avoid the risk of inhalation from lighting and burning according to the guidelines for “reducing pollution, increasing auspiciousness” which everyone can do, such as using electric incense sticks or using short incense sticks and reducing the number. Use environmentally friendly incense, smokeless and odorless incense, reducing burning of silver and gold paper. Avoid lighting and burning in areas with no ventilation. or inconvenient
ventilation, such as a confined room or an air-conditioned room, etc. If it is necessary to light incense, you should extinguish or put away the incense as quickly as possible to prevent danger and reduce the risk of fires that often occur during the dry season. which in addition to helping reduce the direct impact on health It also helps reduce dirt and air pollution at the source.
Source: Thai News Agency