In this study, the characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in airborne particles equal to or less than 10 µm (PM10), collected from the Bangkok urban air, were investigated. Sixteen PAHs content in PM10 were simultaneously measured. High molecular weight PAHs (four-, five-, and six-ring) were more abundant in airborne particles (91.7% of total PAHs) than those of low molecular weight PAHs (two-, and three-ring). Further, 71.4% of the total PAHs found in the study sites are potentially carcinogenic PAHs. Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) was a prominent carcinogenic compound for PAH mixtures found in the area. Correlation analysis revealed that there is a close correlation between the concentration of carcinogenic PAHs and amount of PM10. This is due to their absorptivity property on the surface of the particles. In this study the lifetime lung cancer risk was estimated from the seven carcinogenic PAHs using the toxicity equivalent factor (TEF). The probable number of lung cancer cases in Bangkok Metropolitan was estimated at 27 cases/year. The concentration of carcinogenic PAHs found in Bangkok city in 2002/2003 is comparable to values in many other cities.

This study explored community concerns about the impact of a healthcare-waste (HCW) incinerator site in Yala Province, Thailand. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data from 300 respondents twice: before and after the incinerator commenced operation. The Chi-square test was used to identify changes in concerns and the impact of distance. The results showed high levels of concern regarding the environment and health, and the nuisance related to HCW and the incinerator. The impacts associated with distance were air pollution, adverse health effects, and nuisance related to waste vehicles. In addition, the HCW incinerator site affected sources of drinking water and resulted in road damage. Location of incinerator site, people's low education level, lack of public participation, trust in the project vendor, acceptability of incinerator technology, and job benefits might be enabling factors for the success of an HCW-incineration site.

This evaluative research study aimed to assess the effects of the central healthcare incinerator project on waste management in Yala Province. The study data were collected twice: at baseline and during the operational phase. A combination of structured interview and observation were used during data collection. The study covered 127 healthcare facilities: government hospitals, healthcare centres, and private clinics. The results showed 63% of healthcare risk waste (HCRW) handlers attended the HCRW management training. Improvements in each stage of the HCRW management system were observed in all groups of facilities. The total cost of the HCRW management system did not change, however; the costs for hospitals decreased, whereas those for clinics increased significantly. It was concluded that the central healthcare waste incinerator project positively affected HCRW management in the area, although the costs of management might increase for a particular group. However, the benefits of changing to a more appropriately managed HCRW system will outweigh the increased costs.

The results of the study also showed a significant correlation between lead contents and mass of PM10. However, no correlation was observed between the concentration of lead in airborne particles and traffic density. This is probably due to the banning of leaded gasoline throughout the country since 1996 so that lead emissions and subsequent elimination of lead emissions via the exhaust system of vehicle is no longer an issue.