Hanoi Suffers Severe Air Pollution as City Enters Winter Months

VNVietnam|

Thick smog has once again engulfed Hanoi, Vietnam, causing significant health concerns for its nine million residents. The city recorded PM2.5 pollutant levels of 227 micrograms per cubic meter, which is 15 times higher than the World Health Organization's recommended maximum for daily exposure.

In response to the alarming air quality, authorities have urged citizens to wear masks and limit outdoor activities. Many commuters expressed struggles with breathing through the dense haze, leading some to shift to buses and taxis despite the added costs. Office worker Tran Quynh Lan shared her experience, stating, "I really don't feel I can breathe easily in the open air. I have to wear masks all the time."

Hanoi has gained notoriety for its air pollution, frequently ranking among the world's most polluted capitals according to IQAir. The ongoing pollution crisis is attributed to rampant construction, emissions from vehicles, and nearby coal plant operations, compounded by unfavorable weather conditions that trap pollutants in the atmosphere.

Climate expert Huy Nguyen noted that a significant improvement in the air quality may not occur until the arrival of the northeast monsoon and associated rainfall, which typically doesn't begin until March.

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