Health Risk Assessment of Residents in a Tourist City: A Case Study of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

Long-term exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) poses non-cancer health risks for residents of Nakhon Si Thammarat, despite concentrations remaining within ambient air quality standards. A study measuring NO₂ levels at tourist sites in 2018–2019 revealed weekend concentrations were 2–3 times higher than weekdays due to increased vehicular traffic, with anthropogenic activities overriding meteorological influences. Toxicological risk quotients exceeded recommended limits, suggesting sensitive individuals should avoid outdoor weekends. The research recommends sustainable tourism strategies—such as visitor caps and improved public transport—to mitigate traffic-related pollutants in this UNESCO World Heritage-adjacent area.

KAEWRAT, J., & JANTA, R. (2021). Health Risk Assessment of Residents in a Tourist City: A Case Study of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. Walailak Journal of Science and Technology (WJST), 18(5). https://doi.org/10.48048/wjst.2021.11510