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According to the latest air quality chart in Hanoi, our capital experienced "Unhealthy" air pollution levels for four consecutive days in early October, specifically from October 4th to 7th. According to the AQI, the PM2.5 concentration was predicted to peak between 12 noon and 1 pm on October 7th, reaching approximately 130.3 µg/m³ (micrograms per cubic meter). On the same day, from approximately 1 pm to 2 pm, the PM10 concentration also peaked at 119.5 µg/m³.
In real time, the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Hanoi is currently 168. According to the AQI index for ozone and particulate matter pollution from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an index of 168 falls under the Red - Unhealthy level; ranking 4th on a 6-scale air pollution measurement system.
Hanoi is among the most air-polluted major cities in the world.
Air pollution in Hanoi is so severe that it's noticeable to the naked eye. According to EPA recommendations, with this level of unhealthy air pollution, some people may experience health problems if they don't take measures to mitigate it.
In fact, the thick smog that blankets the city, especially in the early morning, is nothing new to the residents. From afar, one can see a dense layer of fog covering many tall buildings and streets. This increasingly serious pollution is causing many people living and working in the capital to worry about their health and feel apprehensive about commuting due to the negative effects of air pollution.
At 8:50 AM, the air pollution index in Hanoi was 174, the highest in the world, indicating unhealthy air quality.
The WHO states that air pollution is one of the biggest environmental risks to the health of vulnerable groups, such as children and the elderly. According to WHO data, outdoor air pollution caused 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide in 2019; this mortality rate is largely due to exposure to fine particulate matter, which in turn causes cardiovascular, respiratory, and cancer diseases.
Approximately 89% of these premature deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, with the highest numbers in Southeast Asia and the Western Pacific region, according to the WHO. Air pollutants include: Particulate matter (PM), Carbon monoxide (CO), Ozone (O3), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and Sulfur dioxide (SO2).
According to IQAir's recommendations, people should avoid outdoor gatherings, close windows to avoid polluted outside air, and wear masks when going outside.
Among these, PM2.5 fine dust (dust particles with a diameter of 2.5 microns or less) poses an extremely dangerous impact on human health. This type of fine dust is emitted from the combustion of gasoline, oil, diesel fuel, or wood. Because of its extremely small size, PM2.5 can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream.
Given the ongoing air pollution in Hanoi, experts advise residents to regularly monitor air quality to plan their work and leisure activities accordingly. People should frequently wear face masks and eye protection when traveling or in environments with a lot of smoke and dust; limit travel through areas with high levels of industrial smoke, and take precautions to protect their health in these particularly polluted conditions.
In addition, the Ministry of Health also advises people to avoid outdoor gatherings, close windows to avoid polluted outside air, wear masks when going outside, and use air purifiers.
If you have to work or engage in outdoor activities, schedule them during the day when pollution is least severe, take more breaks, and perform activities of moderate intensity. Avoid areas with a high risk of air pollution. If you must use public transportation, increase your use of public transport and limit the use of motorbikes and bicycles to reduce exposure to polluted air.
