BANGKOK, 18 March 2013 (NNT) – The Ministry of Public Health revealed that over 40,000 cases of haze-induced illnesses were reported in the North during the first week of March, a 16 percent rise from a week earlier in worst-hit provinces.

Permanent Secretary for Public Health Dr. Narong Saha-methapat said that during March 3-9, residents in eight northern provinces, hit by the latest wave of air pollution, had been suffering from such health problems as heart and artery conditions and respiratory diseases.

The Ministry has instructed public health officials to extend special assistance to local patients, particularly in the six provinces where the level of small dust particles exceeds the safety standard. The provinces hit hardest by the haze crisis include Lampang, Nan and Mae Hong Son.

Read more: NNT