Hanoi enters the 'season' of air pollution, what should we do to protect our health?

For over a week now, the capital Hanoi has been experiencing serious air pollution with an average daily AQI of 154 - 177 units (bad level, people should limit going out when not necessary). 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).

Since the beginning of October, Hanoi's sky has been covered in fog many times.

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.

People need to "save themselves"

Speaking to Thanh Nien , Mr. Hoang Duong Tung, former Deputy Director General of the General Department of Environment (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment), Chairman of the Vietnam Clean Air Network, said that the air pollution "season" in Hanoi has begun. This year's pollution "season" begins the same as every year (from October this year to March, April next year).

Mr. Tung assessed that air pollution has different levels each year, but the general trend is not decreasing, so people need to monitor regularly and take precautions.

The atmosphere in Hanoi early morning October 12 in Nam Tu Liem District and Thanh Xuan District

"People need to 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," said Mr. Tung.

The former Deputy Director General of the General Department of Environment gave an example that during the air pollution "season", early morning is often the time when air pollution is at its worst. At this time, many people are exercising outdoors, so the possibility of direct exposure to bad air is very high. Therefore, if you see fog, you should take a few days off to stay safe.

In addition, schools in Hanoi also need to pay attention when the air is bad and limit students from going outdoors during physical education classes. Families with elderly people and children need to buy more air purifiers, "we have to save ourselves first".

According to Mr. Tung, vehicle emissions in Hanoi are one of the causes of air pollution in Hanoi, especially motorbikes. "In the near future, we will control motorbike emissions. Only motorbikes that meet standards and do not cause pollution will be allowed to circulate. In addition, many cities have started using more electric vehicles, these are good conditions to limit air pollution," Mr. Tung emphasized.

In addition, Mr. Tung said that local authorities need to strictly manage and control people's garbage burning because burning garbage will release dioxin into the air. This gas is very toxic and will destroy the health of people around.

What to do to prevent the effects of air pollution?

According to the World Health Organization 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 system and immune system.

People burning garbage makes air pollution more and more serious.

Therefore, the Department of Health Environment Management (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 prevent dust and clean the air. Smokers should quit or limit smoking; do not smoke indoors. Non-smokers should stay away from cigarette smoke.

According to the Department of Health Environment Management, 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.

During times of air pollution, if symptoms or acute illnesses such as fever, rhinopharyngitis, bronchial pneumonia, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease appear, you should immediately go to a medical facility for examination, consultation and treatment. In addition, you should improve your nutrition to improve your physical condition and resistance, keep your body warm in winter, and avoid sudden colds.

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.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ha-noi-vao-mua-o-nhiem-khong-khi-can-lam-gi-de-bao-ve-suc-khoe-18524101208333941.htm