Vietnam’s capital Hanoi has been shrouded in thick smog in recent weeks, topping the list of the world’s most polluted cities as the government announced a push to promote electric vehicles (EVs) to alleviate the problem. It is located in
Levels of harmful small particles known as PM2.5 in Hanoi were measured at 266 micrograms per cubic meter early Friday, putting it on the top of the list of most polluted cities, according to AirVisual, an independent global air pollution information provider. It was the highest value among all. phone app. Ratings change daily.
PM2.5 particles are particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less that floats in the air. They are so small that they are absorbed into the bloodstream when inhaled
Guide on PM2.4
According to www.iqair.com
Where did it come from?
- Combustion resulting from power plants
- Smoke and soot from wildfires and waste burning
- Combustion from car exhaust and motors
- Industrial processes involving chemical reactions between gases (sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds)
How does it affect our health?
Short-term impact:
- Irritation to eyes, throat and nose
- irregular heartbeat
- asthma attack
- Cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath
This Southeast Asian country is one of Asia’s fastest growing regional manufacturing hubs, but severe air pollution in its major cities, particularly Hanoi, has been reported for years.
The main causes of thick smog are heavy traffic, trash incineration, and industrial activities.
Map of Hanoi:
“We, the elderly, clearly feel it when we suffer from respiratory diseases that make it difficult to breathe,” said Lu Minh Duc, 64, a resident of the city. “The situation seems to have gotten even worse lately.”
Young people have also voiced their dissatisfaction.
“At first I thought it was foggy… but later I found out it was actually fine dust that was affecting my vision and making my breathing unhealthy,” said the 21-year-old student. Nguyen Ninh Phuong said. .
In a meeting with the Ministry of Transport on Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha called for accelerating the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) as part of efforts to reduce environmental pollution, state media reported.
So far, Hanoi has set a goal of making at least 50% of its buses and 100% of its taxis electric by 2030.
“This is a state’s responsibility to its people and requires concrete and timely action,” Ha was quoted as saying by Thien Phong newspaper.
The ministries of natural resources, environment and health did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment.
