This is quite new for me to learn about serious air pollution; why it happens, what it all means, how it effects us, and how to deal with it. Here is a chart that explains the air pollution levels:
The recent levels have been in the mid to high 200's! As you can see this level is "Very Unhealthy"! In the last couple of days the levels have come down into the 100's
We have learned that the reason for this high level air pollution is mostly due to burning. Thai residents burn garbage, harvested fields, and even start forest fires to clear land. Without rain (which we are very used to having in the Pacific Northwest) the smoke from all this burning just "sits" over the city and surrounding areas. I guess we all know the dangers of breathing in smoke.
Then comes the question of how it effects us and how we deal with it as a family. Mostly we try to keep the kids inside and not spend too much time outside. Hope still goes to school and they are kept inside, and thankfully her school has a wonderful facility where the kids can run around and get some exercise. I try to keep the babies inside the house for most of the time, with the occasional trip to a store. Hope has had some nauseous episodes this week, which could be due to the air or a bug. The babies have had some little coughs, which if they continue we will probably take them to see a doctor this week.
But to be honest, even though we try to hide from the smog there really is no escaping the AIR. Our next step is to probably purchase an air purifier.
We appreciate all your prayers for the Thai people & our family's health during this unhealthy season. We look forward to end of burning season and moving into a new adventure of our first Thailand rainy season starting in the next few weeks.
God Bless!
