Since 2019 in major cities in northern Vietnam, and especially in Hanoi, PM 2.5 fine particulate pollution has consistently exceeded safety standards. Data from the Environmental Pollution Control Department of the Vietnamese Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shows, as Vietnam News reports, a steady decline in air quality, with average permissible limits frequently exceeded by more than double.
The peak period runs from October to March, paradoxically just when the weather conditions improve. In fact, scarce rainfall and light winds prevent the dispersion of fine particles. Traffic, industrial production, construction and the use of frequent open burning further aggravate the problem.
The Asian metropolis, in fact, generates significant greenhouse gas emissions from its ten industrial parks, 1,300 artisan villages, over seven million motorcycles and more than 600,000 cars.
According to the data collected, an increase of 10 µg/mü in Pm 10 or Pm 2.5 levels translates into an increase of 1.4 and 2.2 percent respectively in hospital admissions for respiratory diseases in children.
The proposed solutions aim both at making traffic management more efficient, with the creation of low-emission zones and the transition towards eco-sustainable public transport, and at reducing domestic combustion, with the almost total elimination of coal stoves and the closure of hundreds of manual brick kilns.
