💨PhuketAirQuality.com

The large-font numbers reported above are the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Air Quality Index (AQI) values that represent the level of air quality. Raw ambient pollutant concentration levels (μg/m³ of PM_2.5 particulates) are converted to an AQI value to make the data easier to understand and digest. Think of the AQI as a measuring stick that runs from 0 to 500. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and the greater the health concern. For example, an AQI value of 50 or below represents good air quality, and when AQI values are above 100, air quality is unhealthy: at first for certain sensitive groups of people, then for everyone as AQI values get higher.

The AQI is divided into six color-coded categories. Each category corresponds to a different level of health concern. The color makes it easy for people to quickly determine whether air quality is reaching unhealthy levels in their communities.

We measure Phuket's Air Quality by strict U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Standards using real-time, independent, street-level PM_2.5 particulate readings and AQI scales based on real-time air monitoring data. Because our "Current Air Quality" results are real-time and not averaged or smoothed over hours, they offer a precise snapshot of Phuket's air quality, which may fluctuate significantly from hour to hour due to traffic, wind patterns, and other factors. This means that if haze makes its way into Phuket, you will see it reflected sooner in our readings. While we do not average by time, we do take the average of the 2 highest readings from the multiple sensors across Phuket and that is what we display.

PM2.5 (normally written as "PM_2.5") are atmospheric particulate matter (PM) that have a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers, which is about 3% the diameter of a human hair.

These fine particles can come from various sources. They include power plants, motor vehicles, airplanes, residential wood burning, forest fires, agricultural burning, volcanic eruptions and dust storms.

The image below will give you an idea of just how small these particulates are:

Since they are so small and light, these fine particles tend to stay longer in the air than heavier particles. This increases the chances of humans and animals inhaling them into the bodies. Owing to their minute size, particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers are able to bypass the nose and throat and penetrate deep into the lungs and some may even enter the circulatory system.

Studies have found a close link between exposure to fine particles and premature death from heart and lung disease. Fine particles are also known to trigger or worsen chronic disease such as asthma, heart attack, bronchitis and other respiratory problems.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that long-term exposure to PM_2.5 may lead to plaque deposits in arteries, causing vascular inflammation and a hardening of the arteries which can eventually lead to heart attack and stroke. Scientists in the study estimated that for every 10 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m³) increase in fine particulate air pollution, there is an associated 4%, 6% and 8% increased risk of all-cause, cardiopulmonary and lung cancer mortality, respectively.

The American Heart Association has also warned about the impact of PM_2.5 on heart health and mortality:

"Exposure to PM μg/m³ in diameter (PM_2.5) over a few hours to weeks can trigger cardiovascular disease-related mortality and nonfatal events; longer-term exposure (eg, a few years) increases the risk for cardiovascular mortality to an even greater extent than exposures over a few days and reduces life expectancy within more highly exposed segments of the population by several months to a few years."

An association between mothers' exposure to fine particles and birth defects has also been established by several reports.

Children, older adults and those who are suffering from lung and/or heart disease are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of fine particles in the air and should take special precautions when ambient PM_2.5 crosses unhealthy levels.

Only AQI values below 51 are considered "good" air quality by the U.S. EPA. Therefore, any AQI value above 50 is considered "not good" by definition. Keep in mind that "acceptable" air quality, which ranges from an AQI of 51 to 100, is not "good" air quality because it still poses health concerns.

The following tables show the quality of the air and recommendations for different PM_2.5 levels as per European standards:

For the sake of thoroughness, we also provide the index level per European standards for our Phuket air quality readings further above.

You can read more about the EU Air Quality Standards here and here.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines stipulate that:

• The average PM_2.5 particulate matter in the air should not exceed 15 μg/m³ in a 24-hour period
• The average PM_2.5 particulate matter in the air should not exceed 5 μg/m³ in an annual period.

No, poor air quality not only poses significant health risks but also severely undermines the aesthetic appeal of environments, particularly in naturally beautiful settings like Phuket. Pollutants such as particulate matter cause what should be bright blue skies to appear a milky, washed-out blue, while lush green mountains in the distance turn a dull, greyish hue. Even the beauty of sunsets is compromised, with their normally vibrant colors rendered murky and unattractive. This degradation in visual quality can profoundly impact tourism, as visitors are left with a negative impression of a place that fails to meet its picturesque potential. The presence of pollutants not only spoils the natural beauty of these locations but also diminishes the enjoyment and satisfaction of tourists, highlighting the urgent need to enhance air quality for the sake of health and tourism alike.