The Effects of Policies and Measures for Vegetation Fire Events on Air Pollution and Human Health in Thailand: A Literature Review and Data Integration

Abstract

Air pollution from vegetation fire events in Thailand is a serious public health concern, particularly in the upper northern region. In response, several policies and measures have been implemented to control such fire events in this area. The objective of this study was to provide an update on the existing and current policies on vegetation fire events, their effects on air pollution and their influence on health by conducting a literature review and integrating the relevant information. The findings reveal that strict regulations prohibiting burning have had a significant effect on both air pollution and health after implementation compared to other policies. Despite increased evidence of short-term health effects from air pollution from vegetation fires, there is a need for additional research on chronic effects as well as studies that consider longer-term interventions through policies and factors that might affect exposure levels when examining the beneficial effects of policies on health impacts. Filling these knowledge gaps will help better define the potential health impacts of policies on vegetation fire events and further identify specific preventive interventions to promote health in this region in the future.