3 Ways to Detect Air Pollution Warnings During Winter

Did you know that the cool air of winter carries hidden dangers in the form of dust and pollutants? The cold air from below rises to a certain level and cannot go any higher when it encounters warmer air above, which is closer to the sun. This creates a lid that traps pollution. The pollution originates from various activities, including open burning, transportation, electricity generation, and industrial production. Those who live in areas heavily affected by these activities are at a greater risk of health impacts during winter, particularly respiratory diseases and allergies.

To ensure safety and confidence for the upcoming winter, here are 3 warning signs of air pollution that you can monitor yourself:

  1. Changes in Visibility: During times of higher dust levels or when air pollution begins to rise, you can observe changes in visibility. For instance, if you notice low-lying air masses appearing brown or if visibility decreases due to increased haze, this may indicate an abnormal level of air pollution. It is essential to check the air quality conditions at that moment to respond appropriately.
  2. Unusually High Smoke Emissions from Factories: Communities near industrial plants that release smoke through combustion processes are usually familiar with the typical amount of smoke emitted. If there is a noticeable increase in smoke emissions from these factories, it serves as a warning sign of potential rising air pollution levels.
  3. Check via Applications or Websites: Another easy and convenient way to monitor air quality is through applications that measure dust levels in the air and present the data in an understandable format, such as color-coded indicators that show the severity of air pollution in different areas. This allows you to check air quality conditions and avoid areas with hazardous pollution levels. Examples of applications for monitoring air pollution include Thai Air Quality, Air Visual, and Plume Air Report App.

Thank you for the information from: Tata Steel