The quality of air has deteriorated sharply over the past few days in Hanoi and other northern neighboring localities, according to the Department of Environmental Pollution Control under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. 

The results of the 24-hour average air quality observations conducted on Thursday at monitoring points on Nguyen Van Cu and Giai Phong Streets in Hanoi’s Long Bien and Hoang Mai Districts, respectively, showed that the air quality was ‘very unhealthy’, based on the current Air Quality Index (AQI) system.

Another observation made on Khuat Duy Tien Street in the capital’s Thanh Xuan District showed that the air quality there was ‘unhealthy,’ the department reported.

The AQI system has six levels, including good, moderate, unhealthy for sensitive groups, unhealthy, very unhealthy, and hazardous. 

Six colors are designated to the six levels are green, yellow, orange, red, purple and maroon, respectively.

According to experts, air pollution in Vietnam is the result of transportation, industrial production and craft villages, construction, household activities and unfavorable weather conditions.

Besides, other northern localities such as Bac Giang, Hai Duong, Hung Yen, Thai Binh and Thai Nguyen have also seen their air quality at a very unhealthy level, the department reported. 

In a talk with Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper, Dr. Hoang Duong Tung, an environmental expert, said Hanoi and many northern provinces and cities are entering the ‘season of air pollution.'

This period usually lasts from October to the end of March of the following year.

“Air quality only improves given heavy rain and strong winds,” he added.

Talking to Tuoi Tre, many medical experts said that poor air quality will affect those who are suffering respiratory diseases.

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