Air pollution in Bangkok has reached critical levels, with hazardous substances up to three times the acceptable standard in some areas, the Pollution Control Department says.
The department yesterday published a report on Bangkok pollution based on studies carried out last year.
Its inspections found worryingly high levels of benzene, a chemical found in petrol and tobacco smoke, in many spots.
The Din Daeng community was found to have the highest benzene levels, at 5.2 microgrammes per cubic metre, compared to the accepted standard of 1.7 mg/cu m.
Chulalongkorn Hospital was also found to have a benzene level exceeding acceptable levels at 4.5 mg cu m, followed by Chokechai Si Road with 3.9mg cu m and Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University with 2.8 mg cu m.
"Judging from the benzene levels, the quality of air in Bangkok is no different from that of Map Ta Phut industrial estate," Pollution Control Department (PCD) deputy chief Wijarn Simachaya said.
But the official believed benzene levels would fall dramatically after the launch of the new EURO 4 fuel formula next January.
EURO 4 petrol should cut benzene emissions from 3.5% to 1%.
Medical studies have tied long-term benzene exposure to the onset of cancer and anaemia.
Benzene exposure is most dangerous when it occurs over a long period of time or when the concentrations are very high.
The PCD also found increasing levels of dust and noise in Din Daeng, as well as along Lat Phrao, Phahon Yothin, Rama IV and Rama VI roads.
Mr Wijarn pledged that pollution control officials and related agencies would work together to bring pollution levels down to a safe standard within five years.
The PCD and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration had jointly drafted a 2012-2016 action plan to tackle air and noise pollution in the city, he said.
The action plan calls for standards on vehicles, such as tyre specifications, to be set to reduce noise levels, said Taluangsak Petchsuwan, director of the PCD's noise and vibration division.
The department would hold talks with car and tyre manufacturers to seek their cooperation to produce environment-friendly vehicles.
The PCD would also ask the Rural Roads Department to use special materials in road construction which could cut noise levels by three decibels, he said.
The average noise level in Bangkok is measured at 84 decibels, against the accepted safe level of 70 decibels.