Acid rain in Laos and Thailand

Acid rain has an impact on forestry and human health. Forest degradation was noticed in the early 90's in Laos, a country without polluting industries nor intense automobile traffic. Therefore, in 1993-1994, we collected rain in one location in Thailand (Bangkok) and 4 in Laos (Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Savannaketh, Pakse); measured pH in each sample and resistivity in 2 locations. We obtained sequential meteorological satellite pictures showing the far motion of clouds, their location and course, and ultimately rain over Indochina. We conclude that acid rain forms over Thailand and falls in Laos (Vientiane, Pakse). We also measured peak flows in large groups of children, adults both non-smokers and chronic heavy smokers, in all five locations. Except for a small number of individual variations, we could not correlate the presence of acid rain and deterioration of pulmonary function in these subjects. However, we recommend active measures to curb pollution both in Thailand and Laos.