Air quality in Hanoi worsens on National Day

The index was recorded through the monitoring application Envisoft of the Vietnam Environment Administration.

Meanwhile, two other independent air quality trackers, PAMAir and AirVisual, reported that the AQI recorded at several air monitoring stations located throughout Hanoi and neighbouring areas was orange, indicating that the quality of air was at a harmful level for human health.

The day began with AirVisual recording the AQI in Hanoi and neighbouring areas at the red-warning level of 184, meaning that the air quality can be considered to be at a very unhealthy level for humans.

AirVisual forecast the current pollution would last for the entire day. According to the pollution rankings of major cities globally, Hanoi topped the list with an AQI of 159.

Moreover, PAM Air stated that their air monitoring stations located around the capital witnessed their AQI turn red and even purple in some cases. Indeed, the AQI in a number of provinces and cities located in the north, such as Hung Yen, Thai Binh, and Hai Phong, have all passed an unhealthy threshold.

Experts state that the poor-quality air in Hanoi is largely caused by construction, a growing number of vehicles, and the impact of heavy industry, including steel works, cement factories, and coal-fired plants.

They have therefore advised citizens to refrain from venturing outside and recommended that adults, children, pregnant women, and people suffering from respiratory diseases, wear masks and glasses should they go out.