4-3-2024 (HANOI) The capital city of Vietnam, Hanoi, experienced a severe bout of air pollution on Monday, with thick smog blanketing the streets and significantly reducing visibility. The poor air quality was attributed to high levels of particulate matter originating from vehicle emissions and construction-related fine dust.
According to data from AirVisual, a provider of independent global air pollution information through a mobile app, Hanoi recorded PM2.5 levels of 187 micrograms per cubic meter late on Monday. This ranked Hanoi as the most polluted city on the list of international cities monitored by AirVisual.
Local residents expressed their concerns about the detrimental effects of the pollution on their health. Duong Kim Oanh, a 58-year-old resident, highlighted the role of personal vehicles and construction activities in contributing to Hanoi’s pollution levels. Oanh stated, “This is damaging for our health. I think Hanoi’s pollution is caused by a large number of personal vehicles and the fine dust from all the construction, plus this cold weather.”
A World Bank report from 2021 revealed that emissions from Hanoi’s 8 million registered vehicles accounted for 30% of air particulate pollution, while industrial emissions contributed another 30%.
The hazardous air quality in Hanoi poses risks to respiratory health. Pham Thi Phuong, another resident, expressed concerns about the impact on people’s respiratory systems, stating that it could make individuals feel sick or even suffocated.
The deteriorating air quality in Hanoi has also disrupted air travel. On February 2, nearly 100 flights to and from Hanoi’s international airport were either delayed or diverted to other cities due to heavy fog and worsening air pollution.
