The data compiled on March 5 showed that the air quality index (AQI) of Hanoi at 7.18 am reached 241, representing a level very unhealthy for humans. An AQI of above 100 is considered unhealthy for humans.
The monitoring system operated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment also showed that the air quality at many districts in Hanoi and some neighbouring provinces of Bac Ninh and Hung Yen was higher than the harmful level.
According to experts, drizzly conditions over the past few days have left a large amount of moisture in the air which has contributed to creating a layer of fog in Hanoi and many provinces in the northeast region. Air pollution combined with fog has the potential to limit visibility, thereby negatively affecting people’s health, especially those at risk.
On March 4, the capital was also ranked second among the world's most polluted cities with AQI reaching 181 at 10.30 am.
It is forecasted that the pollution may improve when a cold spell arrives on March 7.
