The air quality index (AQI) in the latest 24 hours at ten automatic monitoring stations in Hanoi has decreased slightly but remained almost at the bad level, according to the Hanoi Agency of Environmental Protection (AEP).

Data: AEP. Graphic: Anh Kiet

On December 18 afternoon, the AEP said that Hanoi’s air quality index (AQI) measured at ten monitoring stations in the city was in the range of from 94 to 134.

Compared to air quality a day earlier, the AQI decreased with the highest readings recorded at Hang Dau (134), Pham Van Dong (127), and Minh Khai (127).

In the previous days, Hanoi's air quality worsened to alarmingly unhealthy levels. On December 18, air quality in seven locations was at the bad level and the AQI was recorded an average level at three monitoring stations (Tay Mo, Kim Lien, Tan Mai).

The AEP repeated the recommendations that Hanoi’s residents should follow air quality information where they are living and working before going out to prevent diseases.

Data: AEP. Table: Anh Kiet

Besides, sensitive groups including children, the elderly and people with respiratory diseases should limit their time outdoors.

In case of going out, people should use PM2.5 dust-proof face mask which meets the standard. In particular, pupils should not participate in outdoor activities.

When travelling on roads, people need to strictly follow traffic laws to reduce traffic congestion.

The Hanoi police should strengthen traffic regulation in some areas with high traffic density such as Pham Van Dong, Hang Dau, Minh Khai, among others.

In suburban areas, people need to reduce burning waste and agricultural by-products.

According to forecasts from the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecast, weather conditions will not change much in the coming days, thus, it is expected that Hanoi’s air quality will maintain at this level.

Information on the capital city’s air quality is continuously updated at the website: https://moitruongthudo.vn/ and https://airhanoi.hanoi.gov.vn/.