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Air Pollution in Hanoi Remains at Critical Levels, Stay Indoors Advised
1. Hanoi Tops Global Air Pollution Chart, Ministry of Health Issues Special Advisory
For nearly a week, Hanoi has consistently been among the most polluted cities globally according to Air Visual's rankings. Experts warn that this could be the most severe air pollution episode in Hanoi's history.
Numerous monitoring stations have turned purple, indicating very unhealthy air quality with AQI levels exceeding 200. Remarkably, several locations have reached the brown level. For instance, on November 13th, AQI in Tay Ho district soared to 405, while on December 10th, the French Embassy's monitoring station in Hoan Kiem district recorded an AQI of 336.
Also on December 13th, Air Visual ranked Hanoi at the top of the list of the world's 10 most polluted cities with a brown-level AQI of 316.
Hanoi's Sky Veiled in Haze, Fine Dust Lingers for Days
According to US standards, air quality is divided into 5 levels, namely 0-100 is considered good and acceptable air quality. From 101 - 200 is poor, sensitive individuals should limit outdoor activities. AQI levels from 201 - 300 are in the purple range, indicating very polluted conditions, while above 300 is in the brown range, posing hazardous risks, advising people to stay indoors.
Given the severe and prolonged air pollution situation, the Ministry of Health has issued preventive recommendations for public health protection for the first time, urging people to take preventive measures and safeguard their health.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Health advises people to regularly monitor air quality.
Limit outdoor activities, exercise, and outdoor work when air quality is poor. When going outside, use a quality mask and wear it properly (ensure a tight fit).
Cleanse the nasal passages and throat with saline solution morning and evening, especially after outdoor exposure; rinse the eyes with saline solution in the evening before bedtime.
Smokers should quit or reduce smoking altogether. Non-smokers should stay away from cigarette smoke.
Limit opening windows and doors during periods of heavy air pollution, especially for households near roads or polluted areas.
Regularly clean and ventilate living spaces, maintain a clean living environment, and consider planting greenery indoors and around the house to trap dust and purify the air.
Limit the use of traditional stoves fueled by charcoal, wood, or straw; switch to electric, induction, or gas stoves.
For individuals with respiratory diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular diseases, malnutrition, or the elderly, stricter preventive measures are necessary.
Minimize outdoor activities, especially during heavy air pollution periods; adhere to and maintain specialized medical treatments as prescribed by doctors. If experiencing discomfort or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention at specialized healthcare facilities.
During this period, if experiencing acute illnesses such as fever, sore throat, bronchitis, or cardiovascular issues, it's essential to seek medical attention promptly and receive timely treatment while enhancing nutrition to improve physical condition and immunity.
When discussing air quality, the most harmful component is fine particulate matter, including airborne particles such as PM2.5 (under 2.5 micrometers), PM1.0 (under 1 micrometer), PM0.1 (less than 0.1 micrometer), also known as nano-dust.
Among these, PM2.5 dust particles, with a size equivalent to 1/30th of a hair strand, are formed from substances such as carbon, nitrogen, and various metal compounds.
PM2.5 dust particles have the ability to permeate, move, and be absorbed into the bloodstream, particularly hazardous when these particles are organic compounds, pesticides, heavy metals... which can cause toxicity, cancer, asthma, etc.
Mild cases include sneezing, runny nose, coughing, while severe acute cases can lead to suffocation due to respiratory failure, blood poisoning, affecting the heart, lungs, and even death.
Chronic conditions include pneumonia, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), asthma, cardiovascular diseases, skin inflammation, irritation, and nervous system stress.
To minimize fine dust exposure, healthcare experts advise that regular medical masks and cloth masks only filter coarse dust, not PM2.5 dust particles.
Only N95 masks and some other specialized masks with new ultrafiltration membrane structures can effectively block this type of fine dust. However, N95 masks are quite expensive and can be uncomfortable to wear, so they are less commonly used.
Furthermore, to take care of the whole family, you can explore the latest air purifier products available at Mytour stores to ensure the health of your loved ones.
(Source: vietnamnet.vn)
