Air pollution in Hanoi 'very unhealthy'
VOV.VN - The Pollution Control Department, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, reported that the air quality index (AQI) in Hanoi reached over 200 at 18:00 p.m. on December 10.
The AQI is a metric used to measure how polluted the air is. An AQI level above 100 is considered to be unhealthy for humans. Children, seniors, and individuals suffering from respiratory issues or heart diseases are therefore recommended to avoid sustained and high-intensity outdoor exercises when AQI levels reach 150 or above.
The worst pollution was recorded at the monitoring station located on Giai Phong street in Bach Khoa ward of Hai Ba Trung district with an AQI of 223.
Meanwhile, AQI reached 202 at a monitoring station located at 556 Nguyen Van Cu street in Long Bien district.
Similarly, the AQI was measured between 154 and 189 at 10 out of 14 monitoring stations of the Hanoi Department of Natural Resources and Environment, with this being categorised in thhe 'unhealthy’ range.
According to data released by Switzerland-based air quality monitor IQAir AirVisual, the air quality in Hanoi reached “very unhealthy” levels, therefore placing the capital at the top of the world’s most air polluted cities list. It was followed by the Dhaka city of Bangladesh.
According to experts, factors such as transportation, heavy traffic, construction, industrial emissions, and agricultural activities are among the primary sources of air pollution in Hanoi.
As a result of the health risks involved, they have advised citizens to refrain from venturing outside unless necessary. Adults, children, pregnant women, and individuals suffering from respiratory diseases have been recommended to wear masks and glasses in the event that they do go outside.
