The characteristics and the cytotoxic effects of particulate matter in the ambient air of the Chiang Mai-Lamphun Basin in Northern Thailand

Abstract

There are growing concerns about the deteriorating air quality in the Chiang Mai-Lamphun Basin in Northern Thailand resulting from accelerating development and construction, increasing industrial emissions, expanding transportation, extensive open burning and the continuing drought. Recent studies of the levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in the Basin have highlighted their seasonal variations, correlations with other pollutants, and toxicological properties. These are reviewed and implications for future research are summarized. © 2009 American Chemical Society.