PM10 in the atmosphere and incidence of respiratory illness in Chiangmai during the smoggy pollution

Adverse health effects of atmospheric exposure to particles have been described in numerous epidemiological studies. In early of March 2007, there was a big environmental crisis in the northern area of Thailand. Smoggy pollution due to the fires covered many provinces in this area. Here, the author analyzes the correlation on incidence of respiratory illness and PM10 level in Chiangmai, a province in northern Thailand where the pollution occurred. The finding of emerging of the respiratory illness is similar to those previous reports on other smoggy pollutions due to fires. However, there is not a direct statistical significant relationship. It is proved that PM10 might be a risk for respiratory illness attack.