Hanoi capital sees air pollution worsen as residents burn straw

According to data released by AirVisual, the air quality index (AQI) of the capital on June 6 was recorded at between 151 and 200. This represents a high level, meaning that the air quality present within the local atmosphere has reached a very unhealthy level for local residents.

Despite spells of rain, the air quality in Hanoi continued to remain at a bad level, reaching between 117 and 170.

Hanoi has become one of the world’s most polluted cities, with its AQI climbing to over 200 at some points, according to Air Visual. Indeed, its AQI in several places has even been recorded at around 220 to 235.

The AQI is a metric used by multiple governmental agencies in order to determine how polluted the air in a specific area is, with the levels ranging  from zero to 500. When there is a high index value it indicates higher levels of air pollution with a higher potential for adverse health effects, meaning that children, senior citizens, and individuals suffering from respiratory and heart diseases should avoid sustained and high-intensity outdoor exercises when the AQI level reaches 150 or above.

According to environment experts, this spell of low-quality air is occurring as Hanoi’s suburban districts are entering the rice harvest season. The air quality throughout the capital has therefore worsened due to straw burning and hot temperatures, with smoke badly affecting both the environment and people living locally.

The local authorities have issued a directive aimed at putting an end to straw burning, although so far this plan has proved to be ineffective.