Severe air pollution persists in Hanoi

Air pollution in Hanoi remains severe in the last 24 hours, with air quality readinga at many automatic monitoring stations mostly at the very bad level, according to the Hanoi Agency of Environmental Protection (AEP).

On December 13 afternoon, the AEP informed that Hanoi’s air quality index (AQI) measured at 10 monitoring stations in the city was in the range of from 172 to 213.

Data: AEP. Graphic: Anh Kiet

In recent days, the capital city’s air quality was mostly at unhealthy and very bad levels at many monitoring stations, which indicates worse pollution. However, the index decreased slightly on December 13 afternoon.

The highest AQI was recorded in Minh Khai (213). Other areas had average AQI below 190 such as Hoan Kiem, Tay Mo, Kim Lien and Tan Mai.

Early morning often sees the lowest reading during the day. At noon, when the sunshine is stronger, the AQI tends to decrease.

The AEP repeated the recommendations that Hanoi’s residents should follow air quality information where they are living and working before going out to prevent diseases.

Besides, sensitive groups including children, the elderly and people with respiratory diseases should limit their time outdoors.

Data: AEP. Table: Anh Kiet

In case of going out, people should use PM2.5 dust-proof face mask which meets the standard and should travel by car or bus. In particular, pupils should not participate in outdoor activities.

When travelling on roads, people need to strictly follow traffic laws to reduce traffic congestion.

People should reduce activities that cause air pollution such as burning waste, cooking by charcoal stoves, transporting construction waste without shielding.

According to forecasts from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecast, weather conditions will not change much in the coming days, thus, it is expected that Hanoi’s air quality will maintain at this level.

Information on the capital city’s air quality is continuously updated at the website: https://moitruongthudo.vn/ and https://airhanoi.hanoi.gov.vn/.