VIENTIANE, Feb. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Lao government continues its efforts to reduce air pollution while warning the public of serious health risks linked to PM2.5.
The Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment held a meeting on Tuesday to raise awareness of air pollution and its impact on public health, according to a report from the Center of Information and Education for Health under the Lao Ministry of Health on Wednesday.
With air pollution expected to rise significantly during March and April, both ministries called for collective action to reduce pollution and protect public health.
In Laos, major sources of air pollution include agricultural burning, household and industrial waste burning, forest fires, and vehicle emissions.
Speaking at the meeting, Viengkhan Phixay, deputy director general of the Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion under the Lao Ministry of Health, emphasized that protecting public health requires cooperation from all sectors through emission reduction and personal protective measures.
Also speaking at the event, Teuanchit Alounlasy, deputy director of the Biotechnology and Ecology Institute of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, emphasized that reducing pollution at its source is essential.
Key measures include reducing household waste burning, limiting vehicle use, and encouraging farmers to reduce agricultural burning by adopting alternative land and waste management practices, he said. ■