Bangkok Post – Dept ties incense to PM2.5 spike

Public urged to seek electric alternatives

The Pollution Control Department (PCD) is urging the public to refrain from burning paper offerings and incense during the Chinese New Year in an effort to keep the level of ultra-fine PM2.5 pollutants down over the period.

The burning of gold and silver joss sticks is commonplace during the Chinese New Year period, and many people light incense and firecrackers to honour their ancestors and mark the new year.

However, PCD director-general Preeyaporn Suwanaged yesterday said the custom causes air pollution to spike over the holidays, posing a silent threat to individual health.

Excessive exposure to PM2.5…