Thailand: A recent survey in Thailand by scientists at the Mahidol University in Bangkok has shown that a staggering 91 percent of drivers of non air-conditioned buses in the capital Bangkok are suffering from work-related illnesses.

The team of researchers from the university's faculties of biology, public health and medicine, led by Mr. Phiphat Lakmeeranakun took random samples of air from 36 air-conditioned and 12 non air-conditioned buses using a Millipore air Tester while the buses were in operation. They also questioned the Bangkok bus drivers on their medical history.

The results were startling. One third of the samples taken from non air-conditioned buses, although only 6.11 percent of the sample taken from air-conditioned buses, were found to have concentrations of bacteria over 500CFU/mm. In addition, 6.67 percent of samples from non air-conditioned buses and 2.78 percent of those taken from air-conditioned buses had concentrations of mould exceeding the same limit.

Moreover, 91.67 percent of the Bangkok drivers of non air-conditioned buses, and a lower but still alarming 57.28 percent of the drivers of air-conditioned buses, appeared to be suffering from work-related illnesses