In recent days, the air in Hanoi has had an average daily AQI of 154 - 177 units, which is considered bad and harmful.
According to experts, the air pollution 'season' in Hanoi starts from early October to March and April of the following year.
Notably, there are many times during the day when the AQI index in Hanoi is over 200 units (very bad level, warning of danger to health), ranking first in the world. Along with that, the PM2.5 fine dust index is also at a very high level, dozens of times higher than the value according to the annual air quality guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and studies, air pollution increases the risk of acute respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, cardiovascular disease, stroke and cancer.
In addition, exposure to air pollutants can cause skin damage, eye diseases, and affect the nervous and immune systems.
The Ministry of Health has developed recommendations for preventing and combating the effects of air pollution on health to help people have basic knowledge in implementing preventive measures and protecting their health.
People should regularly wear quality masks and wear masks properly when leaving the house; regularly clean rooms and houses, and keep the living environment airy. Masks and protective glasses should be used when cleaning if there is a lot of dust or the air is polluted from poor to hazardous levels.
In addition, limit the use or replace the use of honeycomb coal stoves, firewood, and straw burning with electric stoves, induction cookers, or gas stoves; plant trees to help prevent dust and clean the air.
Smokers should quit or limit smoking; do not smoke indoors. Non-smokers should stay away from cigarette smoke.
People who are sensitive to air pollutants (children, pregnant women, people with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, the elderly) should avoid exposure to sources of air pollution emissions from vehicles; construction sites; cooking areas burning fuel such as coal, firewood, straw or other areas at risk of air pollution.
People with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases need to comply with and maintain treatment as prescribed by a specialist. If there are signs of discomfort or worsening, they should immediately go to a specialized medical facility for examination, consultation and treatment. The elderly and people with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases need to comply with regular health check-ups.
In addition, it is necessary to increase nutrition to improve physical condition and resistance, keep the body warm in winter, and avoid sudden colds.
To deal with air pollution, experts recommend that people regularly monitor the AQI index on government websites and applications to see if there is pollution at that time and on that day to limit exposure to outdoor air.
