Hanoi's brief respite from air pollution brought by recent humid and drizzly weather has ended, with air quality readings returning to unhealthy levels on Friday.

Readings taken at noon at 556 Nguyen Van Cu Street in Long Bien District and outside Hanoi University of Science and Technology in Hoang Mai District showed air quality indexes in the ‘unhealthy’ or ‘red’ zone, indicating a serious health risk.

The situation is not limited to Hanoi.

Data from the Pollution Control Department, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, also indicated poor air quality in neighboring Thai Nguyen Province, specifically at Hung Vuong Street in Thai Nguyen City and Mo Che Ward in Song Cong City.

An area near the Long Bien Bridge in Hanoi on a humid and damp day. Photo: Danh Khang / Tuoi Tre

Dr. Angela Pratt, WHO Representative to Vietnam, highlighted that in 2023, the annual average level of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) in Hanoi exceeded WHO's recommended limits by nearly eight times.

She attributed the primary sources of outdoor air pollution in Hanoi to industrial production, agricultural burning, road dust, vehicular traffic, residential smoke, craft village emissions, and waste burning.

Dr. Pratt emphasized the broader impact of air pollution, noting its negative effects on labor productivity and agricultural output.

She called for a fundamental shift away from fossil fuels, the adoption of cleaner transportation options, and more efficient waste management, including the reduction of straw and waste burning.

Waste burning and road dust are among the sources of air pollution in Hanoi. Photo: Quang The / Tuoi Tre

To address the crisis, Dr. Pratt outlined seven internationally recognized strategies.

They include enhancing air quality monitoring, forecasting, and public awareness; protecting vulnerable groups (children, elderly, and those with respiratory conditions) by improving ventilation and air filtration; reducing the number of vehicles on roads and promoting low-emission urban development; electrifying public transport and encouraging the use of electric vehicles.

The WHO official also underscored the need for implementing strict waste management policies to eliminate open waste burning and phase out rice straw burning, while providing households with access to clean energy sources for cooking and daily use.

She also suggested accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy alternatives.

Waste burning and road dust are among the sources of air pollution in Hanoi. Photo: Quang The / Tuoi Tre

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