Hanoi is facing serious air pollution. Photo by Tienphong.
On Tuesday morning, air monitoring stations in different locations showed that the Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to unhealthy levels in many northern localities, including Hanoi.
While the stations showed red colour or AQI at unhealthy levels of 150 to 200 in some provinces, including Hung Yen, Ha Nam, Thai Binh, Thai Nguyen, and Hai Duong, those in Hanoi had violet colour, which meant AQI at very unhealthy levels of above 200.
According to the air monitoring system of the US Embassy in Hanoi, air pollution in the north may continue until the weekend with an average red colour or unhealthy rate.
The Health Environmental Management Department, part of the Ministry of Health, recommends that residents restrict outdoor activities when the AQI is unhealthy (150 to 200).
According to the Environmental Pollution Control Department, the air pollution season for northern delta localities, particularly in Hanoi and its surrounding areas, often occurs between September and March. The pollution typically concentrates during the morning and afternoon rush hours between 6-8 am and 5-7 pm.