Hazardous air pollution engulfs Hanoi

Hazardous air pollution engulfs Hanoi

Most notably, an application of the General Department of Environment to track environmental statistics unveiled at 9 a.m. on February 28 that air pollution was at red level in Long Bien district that is said to do harm to people's health, with sensitive groups potentially experiencing more serious health problems.

Meanwhile, independent air quality tracker AirVisual reported similar results, with most of its stations in Hanoi at a red level. In particular, two stations located at Happy House Garden in Hoan Kiem district and on To Ngoc Van street in Tay Ho district showed that the air quality is at purple level which can be very harmful to people's health.

Moreover, PAM Air reported Hanoi had up to 35 places at a red level and 13 places at a purple level. Notably, Yen So secondary school in Hoai Duc district and Phu Dong commune in Ba Vi district were reportedly at hazardous levels.

According to experts, blamed temperature inversion can be considered as the main cause behind the recent spell of severe pollution.

In the days ahead, air quality is forecast to remain at unhealthy to very unhealthy levels, especially at night and in early morning. Citizens are therefore recommended not to open windows or go out for exercise at certain times of day. They are also advised to wear face masks when going out.

Besides air pollution, local people should try to improve their health by consuming nutritious food, vegetables, and fruits due to COVID-19 fears, experts warned.