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.