Phan Huy Cong, a member of an online forum, expressed concern: “Air quality in Hanoi has worsened unusually over the past two days. You can literally feel the fine dust when breathing outdoors - it’s extremely uncomfortable, and we don’t even know what’s causing it.”

Cong also speculated that traffic or construction dust alone couldn’t account for the sudden spike, as there hasn’t been a significant increase in those activities. He added, “If weather is the cause, it rained lightly last night, so the air should be cleaner today. But instead, pollution is worse.”

According to data from IQAir, Hanoi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) at 11:15 AM on July 15 reached 168, classified as “unhealthy.”

In response, a representative from the Department of Environment (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) clarified that the AQI readings on IQAir may not be fully accurate. The official recommended that residents check the VN Air app - a government-verified air quality monitoring tool - for more reliable information.

Based on VN Air data, multiple locations in Hanoi show poor air quality. The AQI at Nguyen Van Cu measured 141, while the Parabol Gate of Hanoi University of Science and Technology (Giai Phong Street) recorded 102 - an orange level indicating poor air conditions.

Similarly, the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Environment and the iHanoi app confirmed that the AQI at the same university location stood at 101, reinforcing the assessment of poor air quality.

Officials explained that the recent drop in air quality stems primarily from unfavorable weather conditions that contribute to fine dust accumulation in the air.

Health precautions during poor air conditions

The Department of Environmental Health Management (Ministry of Health) has issued health advisories for periods of very unhealthy air quality (AQI 201–300). It recommends that the general public limit outdoor activities that require exertion and instead prioritize indoor activities.

If it is necessary to go outside, people should wear masks designed to filter out fine dust. Additionally, individuals are advised to reduce the use of motorbikes and bicycles and opt for public transportation to minimize exposure to polluted air.

For personal hygiene during such periods, residents should keep windows and doors closed to prevent outdoor air from entering their homes. It’s also recommended to rinse the nose and gargle with saline solution in the morning and evening - especially after outdoor exposure - and to use saline eye drops before bedtime to protect eye health.

Vu Diep