Air pollution, fine dust concentration exceeds standards
According to the Air Visual air monitoring application (belonging to IQAir, a Swiss-based organization that owns a large amount of aggregated data on air quality), many areas in Ho Chi Minh City have air quality measurement points that are harmful to health.
According to the Air Visual application, on the afternoon of January 10, the concentration of fine dust PM 2.5 in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City was at about 28 µg/m³, Thu Duc City was 27.4 µg/m³,... (the limit recommended by the World Health Organization - WHO - is about 5 µg/m³). The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Ho Chi Minh City was at 79, ranking 42nd in terms of pollution on the list of 108 major cities in the world.
Health recommendations include closing windows to avoid dirty air outside, sensitive groups should reduce outdoor exercise, wear masks when going out, and use supportive air purifiers.
Air pollution, especially fine dust (PM 2.5), is a matter of concern around the world. In recent times, not only Ho Chi Minh City but also other cities have experienced a thick layer of fog, causing buildings and residential areas to be hidden behind a layer of opaque white.
The air is like a layer of fog in Ho Chi Minh City
How does fine dust affect health?
Master - Specialist Doctor 2 Le Nhat Vinh, in charge of interdisciplinary department of Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital, said that exposure to fine dust (dust with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 µm) and dust generated from engine exhaust has greater harmful effects than regular dust. Elderly people with heart disease or chronic lung disease (COPD, asthma), children, and infants are the groups most likely to suffer the most adverse health effects when exposed to PM 2.5 dust.
Respiratory problems : Fine dust can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, lung alveoli and enter the bloodstream, which can cause irritation and inflammation of the respiratory tract. Inflammation of the respiratory tract or lungs causes upper respiratory tract infections, lower respiratory tract infections, COPD or asthma.
Cardiovascular disease and blood pressure : Fine dust can increase the formation of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In addition, inflammation from respiratory organs can affect the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Toxicity : Fine dust can contain toxic substances such as heavy metals, organic compounds and other substances from the ground, vehicle exhaust or industrial sources. Long-term exposure to these substances can lead to accumulation in the body, causing damage to internal organs.
Effects on the immune system : Exposure to fine dust can affect the immune system, increasing the risk of infectious diseases and immune-related diseases.
Cancer risk : Exposure to fine dust may increase the risk of certain cancers, especially lung cancer. Transition metals in dust such as Cr, Cd, Ni, As and aldehydes can interfere with DNA repair mechanisms, causing lung cancer.
Protect your health from the effects of fine dust
Fine dust can penetrate deep into the body, so to prevent the effects of fine dust, it is necessary to minimize the risk of exposure. To prevent and overcome the environment without fine dust, Dr. Vinh recommends that the first thing is that everyone needs to join hands through environmental sanitation awareness (not littering and burning garbage, cleaning houses, neighborhoods...); planting more trees; prioritizing public transport, limiting personal vehicles, using clean fuel...
For each individual, the following advice will help protect health from the effects of fine dust:
Wear a mask to prevent air pollution : Wearing a dust mask (N95 or similar) when leaving the house can help reduce the amount of fine dust inhaled into the respiratory tract.
Avoid going out during heavy pollution : Limit going out during poor air quality periods: 7-8am and 6-7pm.
Adjust your schedule and physical activities : Limit strenuous outdoor activities during high pollution times, especially for people with health problems such as respiratory diseases.
Use an air purifier: Placing an air purifier in your home can help reduce the amount of fine dust and other pollutants in the air.
Keep your home clean: Sweep your home regularly to reduce the amount of dust in your home.
See a doctor when necessary: If you or a loved one has symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain or other health problems related to air pollution, see a doctor immediately.
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