The PM2.5 situation in northern Thailand, particularly in Chiang Mai, is a cumulative problem stemming from multiple factors such as open burning, wildfires, the basin-like topography, and transboundary pollution. This results in high PM2.5 levels at various times of the year, significantly impacting the health of many people. 
On March 5th, 2026, Chiang Mai's PM2.5 level was 83.7 µg/m³ (AQI 171), classified as having a significant impact on everyone, meaning even healthy individuals are at risk for respiratory and cardiovascular health.
The effects of PM2.5 on the body at the biomolecular level:
Numerous studies published in databases like PubMed have found that PM2.5 can:
Trigger oxidative stress. Induce chronic inflammation. Damage lung cells and blood vessels. Increase the risk of heart disease, cancer, and respiratory illnesses.
The key mechanism is that these very small particles can enter the alveoli in the lungs → bloodstream → various organs, generating a large number of free radicals in the body.
Important self-protection measures:
Because this problem may take a long time to resolve. Self-protection is therefore very important.
Protect from the outside:
Wear an N95 mask.
Use an air purifier.
Reduce outdoor activities during periods of high air pollution.
Strengthen internal body protection:
A key substance that researchers are very interested in is:
Resveratrol from mulberry.
Resveratrol is a polyphenol found in mulberry, red grapes, and some other plants.
Numerous studies in PubMed have found important mechanisms such as:
Reducing inflammation of lung cells. Strong antioxidant properties. Reducing oxidative stress from air pollution. Stimulating the cellular defense system (SIRT1 pathway). Helping protect the cardiovascular system.
Therefore, studies show that it can help reduce the impact of PM2.5 on the body at the cellular level.
Reasons why mulberries are a good source of resveratrol:
Mulberries contain several important substances such as:
Resveratrol
Anthocyanins
Polyphenols
Vitamins C and E
These substances work together to:
Reduce inflammation Protect cells Boost immunity
"PM2.5 dust may be unavoidable, but we can protect ourselves."
The key concept is:
Protection from the outside (masks / air purifiers)
Protection from within (nutrition and antioxidants)
Resveratrol extracted from mulberries is therefore another option for health care in this era of high pollution.