Hanoi's air quality worsens to alarmingly unhealthy level in recent days

Air quality in Hanoi during the week ended December 15 at many automatic monitoring stations was mostly at the very bad and unhealthy levels, according to the Agency of Environmental Protection (EAP).

The agency said that Hanoi’s air quality index (AQI) measured at 10 monitoring stations in the city ranged from 112 to 217.

Air quality index (AQI) at the monitoring stations. Source: AEP

Monitoring stations such as Trung Yen 3, Kim Lien, Tan Mai, My Dinh and Tay Mo reported that air quality in the week worsened significantly compared to the previous week. Specifically, the AQI at none of the stations reported a good or average level. The index was at the bad level in 3/7 days at Tan Mai and Kim Lien stations, the rest was recorded at the very bad level.

At two traffic monitoring points in Minh Khai and Pham Van Dong wards, which usually see heavy traffic, in the week, the AQI was all at the very bad and unhealthy levels. The highest readings at Minh Khai and Pham Van Dong stations were 217 and 208, respectively.

For monitoring stations such as Hang Dau, Hoan Kiem and Thanh Cong, air quality during the week all worsens to bad and very bad levels, the AQI at Hang Dau station recorded the highest reading of 210 (equivalent to the AQI at the Pham Van Dong station).

Percentage of days with air quality at different levels. Source: AEP

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

According to forecasts from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecast, this was the period with the highest level of pollution in the year. It is expected that weather conditions will not change much in the coming days and Hanoi’s air quality will maintain at this level until it rains or the northeast monsoon intensifies from December 18.

It can be seen that air quality and weather conditions during the week are closely correlated. It was mostly dry, less windy, the large difference in day and night temperature was detrimental to the diffusion of pollutants in the air, leading to the AQI hitting the bad level which adversely affects local residents’ health.

Data: AEP. Table: Anh Kiet

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.

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.

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