On October 7, the pollution index in many areas in Hanoi was at a dangerous level, the fine dust index was 16 times higher than WHO recommendations, at a level “harmful to health”.
Theo AirVisual (World Air Quality Measurement Organization), the air quality index (AQI) in Hanoi this morning exceeded the red threshold, above 150. Around 12:00, the AQI exceeded 206, very dangerous (0-50 is an indicator good number). This level of pollution is harmful to people’s health and outdoor activities should be limited.
In the morning, the concentration of PM2.5 fine dust (dust particles the size of 1/30 of a hair) in Hanoi was 16 times higher than the value according to the World Health Organization’s annual air quality guidelines. (WHO). By 12 o’clock, the PM2.5 concentration was 130.3 µg/m³, 26 times higher (purple level, very unhealthy). This is the day with the highest level of fine dust contamination in the 4 days from October 4-7. PM10 fine dust concentration also reached the highest level, at 119.5 µg/m3.
At the same time, the air monitoring system PAM Water – The actual air quality monitoring network covering 63 provinces and cities in Vietnam – also recorded many points in the capital with red and orange AQI indexes (unhealthy levels).
Dr. Hoang Duong Tung, Chairman of the Vietnam Clean Air Network, said that in recent days the air quality has always been at an alarming level, causing harm to health but it does not last too long, only about 4-5 hours, usually at midday or at night. The reason is that the city is entering the pollution season, concentrated from October to March every year, and there are no thorough remedies.
According to Mr. Tung, in the summer, the weather has a lot of sunshine, wind, and rain, creating conditions for air diffusion. The appearance of smog in winter is mainly due to calm winds and little rain, accompanied by days of heat inversion with a dense layer of fog that reduces air diffusion, causing pollutants to linger at low altitudes and should not be detected. wash away.
In addition, since the night of October 6, cold air has increased so the North continues to have sunny weather with low air humidity (40%), which may also be a factor causing air quality to decrease. “People should update and monitor the air situation closely every hour to protect the health of themselves and their families,” Mr. Tung said.
The level of PM2.5 fine dust contamination in Hanoi reached its highest level in 4 days from October 4-7. Image: Iqair.com
Doctor Cao Minh Thanh, Head of the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, Hanoi Medical University Hospital, warns that at this air level, some sensitive groups of people may experience health problems if no measures are taken. prevent. For example, people with poor resistance and susceptible to colds, such as the elderly, pregnant women, children and people with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, need to be careful. Groups of patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic rhinosinusitis are also at risk.
Experts advise people to pay attention to eating clean and cleaning their nose and throat every day. Wear a mask when going out. Do not exercise early in the morning or midday. Add protein-rich foods from meat, fish, eggs, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, eat lots of green vegetables and fresh fruits rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C from orange, lemon, grapefruit juice, watermelon.
WHO identifies air pollution as a “silent killer”. An estimated 30% of lung cancer deaths are related to air pollution. Particularly for respiratory diseases, more patients will be affected. About 43% of deaths from respiratory diseases are related to air pollution.