According to the IQAir air monitoring system, on the morning of February 22, with the AQI air quality index at 169, Hanoi ranked 6th in the list of most polluted cities in the world, with air quality at a red, unhealthy level.
The Ministry of Health recommends preventive measures and health protection when the air quality index is at a bad level (AQI is 151 - 200).
For ordinary people
- Limit outdoor activities or participate in physical activities that require effort. If you have to work or do outdoor activities, you should arrange and choose a time of day with less pollution, need to rest more, and perform activities with moderate intensity.
Avoid activities in areas with high risk of air pollution.
- If you have to participate in traffic, you should increase the use of public transport, limit the use of motorbikes and bicycles to reduce exposure to polluted air.
- Limit opening windows and doors during times of severe air pollution, especially families near traffic routes and areas with air pollution.
- Nguoi dep, phlegm your throat at night with saline, especially after going out. Wash your eyes with saline solution in the evening before going to bed.
For sensitive people
Avoid outdoor activities or physical activities that require effort. You should do activities such as exercise and physical exercise indoors. Limit opening windows and doors during times of severe air pollution.
- Nguoi dep, phlegm your throat at night with saline, especially after going out. Wash your eyes with saline solution in the evening before going to bed.
- Monitor your health. If you experience acute symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, or fever, you should immediately go to a medical facility for examination, consultation, and treatment.
According to the World Health Organization, exposure to pollutants in the air increases the risk of acute respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, cardiovascular diseases and stroke. In addition, it can cause skin damage, eye diseases, effects on the nervous system, immune system, affecting mental health.
To proactively protect people's health from the harmful effects of air pollution, the Department of Health and Environment Management - Ministry of Health has developed recommendations on preventing and combating the effects of air pollution on health to help people, especially those who are sensitive to air pollutants such as children, pregnant women, people with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and the elderly, have basic knowledge in implementing preventive measures and health protection. These recommendations are based on the AQI air quality index.
Accordingly, when the AQI of air quality is at a poor level, it can affect health, especially for sensitive people, and it is necessary to reduce or limit outdoor activities to avoid exposure to pollutants in the air.
