Thailand Medical Experts Warn Air Pollution Crisis In Chiangmai Is Causing Alarming Rise In Lung Fibrosis, Lung Cancer And Deaths!

Thailand Medical: Chiang Mai, a picturesque city nestled in northern Thailand, renowned for its cultural heritage and natural beauty, is facing an unprecedented health crisis driven by escalating levels of air pollution. This crisis has sent shockwaves through the region, prompting urgent calls for action from medical experts, policymakers, and concerned residents. The surge in respiratory ailments, rising cases of lung cancer, and a significant increase in mortality rates linked to air pollution, particularly PM2.5 particles, paint a grim picture of the challenges facing Chiang Mai's public health sector.


Thailand Medical Experts Warn Air Pollution Crisis In Chiangmai Is
Causing Alarming Rise In Lung Fibrosis, Lung Cancer And Deaths
 
Air Pollution in Chiangmai
Latest data released by IQAir, an air monitoring website showed that Chiang Mai is currently the second most city in the world affected by air pollution.
https://www.iqair.com/th-en/world-air-quality-ranking
 
Another site that monitors air -pollution on real time basis shows that pollutant particles in the air in Chiang Mai is constantly increasing at worrisome levels.
https://aqicn.org/city/chiang-mai/
 
In fact, if one was to look at updates on the air quality in various provinces in Northern Thailand, its seems it is not just Chiangmai but even provinces like Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Song, Lamphun, Lampang, Phitsanulok, Phrae, Phayao, Uttaradit etc are all deluged by extreme air pollution levels!
 
Local provincial officials and the Thai government are merely giving “lip service” but are not doing enough to address the situation and also increase health services including health screenings and treatments for locals affected in these areas.
 
Rising Mortality Rates and Lung Cancer Cases
Thailand Medical researchers form the Faculty of Medicine at Chiang Mai University has been conducting extensive research to understand the impact of air pollution on public health in the region. Some of the experts from the University there have highlighted the alarming correlation between PM2.5 pollution and increased mortality rates from lung cancer. Comparative data spanning from 2010 to 2021 reveals a stark reality: Chiang Mai and Lampang, two provinces in northern Thailand, exhibit disproportionately high death rates from lung cancer compared to other regions of the country.
 
What is particularly concerning is the prevalence of lung cancer among young individuals, surpassing national averages. Studies conducted by the University point to a strong correlation between prolonged exposure to PM2.5 particles and heightened cancer risks, especially lung cancer. Genetic abnormalities observed in emphysema patients exposed to high PM2.5 levels further underscore the long-term health consequences of air pollution and th e urgent need for targeted interventions.
 
Air Pollution And Health Issues
It seems that the local healthcare professionals and researchers are not aware that there are already many published studies showing the effects of air pollution and various health issues including emphysema, lung fibrosis and lung cancer.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2747669
 
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/ebiom/article/PIIS2352-3964(22)00178-5/fulltext
 
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2021.705792/full
 
https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/54/1/1802140
 
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935120316029
 
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1135162/full
 
https://respiratory-research.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12931-022-01998-8
 
https://bmcpulmmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12890-023-02480-x
 
https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/3/1164
 
(These are just some of the over 400 published studies on the effects of air pollution on Lungs)
 
With many exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and also the COVID-19-mRNA jabs which are also known to be causing lung fibrosis, we can expect that such individuals will see faster progression of the deterioration of their lungs with exposure to air pollutants.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8983072/
 
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092867421013830
 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10697304/
 
https://thorax.bmj.com/content/77/1/9
 
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213007123001545
 
Health Impacts Beyond Lung Cancer
The deleterious effects of air pollution extend far beyond lung cancer, encompassing a wide range of respiratory ailments. Residents of Chiang Mai have reported an increase in conditions such as nosebleeds, persistent coughs, and respiratory distress during peak pollution periods. Severe cases, including emphysema exacerbations, coronary heart disease, and strokes, have also been linked to elevated levels of PM2.5 particles in the air. Research conducted by CMU's Faculty of Medicine establishes a direct correlation between PM2.5 concentration and mortality rates, highlighting the acute health risks associated with prolonged exposure to air pollution.
 
Case Studies and Personal Testimonies
The human toll of the air pollution crisis in Chiang Mai is evident in tragic case studies and personal testimonies. Prof Rawiwan Olarnratmanee's story, a former dean at Chiang Mai University, serves as a poignant example. Her diagnosis of late-stage lung cancer, attributed to genetic mutations linked to PM2.5 exposure, and subsequent passing underscore the immediate and real dangers posed by air pollution.
 
The loss of several academics from Chiang Mai University to lung cancer further emphasizes the gravity of the situation. The heartfelt testimonies of their colleagues and families serve as a clarion call for stakeholders to take decisive action to mitigate the health risks associated with air pollution and safeguard public health.
 
Public Awareness and Government Response
The deteriorating air quality in Chiang Mai has garnered international attention, with the city consistently ranking among the most polluted globally. IQAir's data on the air quality index (AQI) reflects the severity of the situation, prompting heightened public awareness and calls for government intervention.
 
While the Thai government has taken steps such as approving a Clean Air Act, challenges persist in implementing effective measures to combat air pollution. Many Chiangmai residents express frustration over the lack of assistance and the recurring severity of pollution-related health issues. The need for annual health check-ups, particularly for respiratory illnesses, has become increasingly imperative in the face of escalating pollution levels.
 
Impact on Tourism and Local Economy
The adverse effects of air pollution extend beyond public health, impacting tourism and the local economy. Escalating pollution levels have deterred international tourists and led to cancellations, adversely affecting the livelihoods of those reliant on tourism. The resilience of Chiang Mai's tourism sector faces significant challenges amid ongoing pollution concerns.
 
Call to Action and Future Considerations
As Chiang Mai grapples with escalating air pollution and its multifaceted impacts, a collective effort is needed to address this pressing issue. Immediate actions include the implementation of stringent pollution control measures, increased public health initiatives, and the adoption of sustainable urban planning strategies. Collaboration among government agencies, academic institutions, and community stakeholders is paramount to safeguarding public health and preserving Chiang Mai's environmental integrity.
 
Conclusion
The escalating health crisis in Chiang Mai due to air pollution demands urgent attention and comprehensive action. From rising mortality rates and lung cancer cases to the broader impacts on public health, tourism, and the local economy, the ramifications of air pollution are profound and far-reaching. As stakeholders come together to address this crisis, prioritizing public health, environmental sustainability, and community well-being is essential for a healthier and resilient future for Chiang Mai and its residents.
 
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