Crop burning shortening average life expectancy

PM2.5 refers to dust particles 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter, long-term exposure to which is linked with chronic diseases including lung and heart problems.

Thai farmers resort to burning their fields after harvest to get rid of the stumps. This method, while cost-saving, creates huge environmental impacts and is therefore illegal.

The ministry said it has been following the government’s policy in tackling the PM2.5 problems since 2019, including arresting farmers caught breaking the law by burning their crops.

“Burning crops is not only illegal, it creates a burden on the society,” said the ministry. “Air pollution from the smoke could linger in the atmosphere above densely populated areas for up to six months.”

It said the affected areas include the North, the Northeast, the East, and the Central region including the Bangkok metropolitan area, which have a…