Air quality in Hanoi during the week ended November 30 at many automatic monitoring stations was mostly at the bad level and negatively affected human health, according to the Agency of Environmental Protection (EAP).

Air quality index (AQI) at the monitoring stations. Data: AEP

The agency said that Hanoi’s air quality index (AQI) measured at 10 monitoring stations in the city ranged from 65 to 220. The AQI during the week tended to worsen compared to the previous week. Almost all weekdays had AQI at average, bad and very bad levels. No day had the AQI at the good level (green).

Monitoring stations such as Trung Yen 3, Kim Lien, Tan Mai, My Dinh and Tay Mo reported that air quality in the week worsened significantly compared to the previous week.

Percentage of days with air quality at different levels. Data: AEP

At two traffic monitoring points in Minh Khai and Pham Van Dong wards, which usually see heavy traffic, in the week, the AQI was at the bad level in 3/7 week days, and was recorded at very bad and unhealthy level for the rest (4/7 days). The highest readings at Minh Khai and Pham Van Dong stations were 220 and 214, respectively.

It can be seen that air quality and weather conditions during the week are closely correlated. It was mostly dry, less windy, the large difference in day and night temperature was detrimental to the diffusion of pollutants in the air, leading to the AQI hitting the bad level which adversely affects local residents’ health.

The EAP recommended 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