On average, each year, the citizens of Hanoi breathe in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at a level 9 times higher than the WHO’s recommended safe limit for health. This is a major cause of the increase in respiratory, cardiovascular diseases, and strokes.
According to the WHO, Vietnam is the second most polluted country in Southeast Asia and ranks 22nd worldwide. The capital city, Hanoi, is one of the most severely polluted cities in our country, ranking 8th globally in terms of air pollution. Each year, residents of Hanoi inhale fine particulate matter (PM2.5) at a level 9 times higher than the WHO’s recommended safe limit. This type of dust is considered deadly in the air, posing serious health risks to the population.
Hanoi streets engulfed in dust. (Photo: Nhu Y).
Data from the Hanoi Department of Natural Resources and Environment indicates that the daily and annual average concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 in the capital exceed Vietnamese standards and many of the WHO’s recommendations. Most districts in the inner city and suburban areas report fine dust pollution, mainly concentrated in winter when adverse weather conditions prevent dust dispersion.
According to Dr. Angela Pratt, WHO Representative in Vietnam, on average, every 7.5 minutes, a Vietnamese person dies from a disease related to exposure to polluted air, with at least 70,000 deaths each year attributed to air pollution in Vietnam. “This number is nearly double the total number of deaths in Vietnam during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we need to treat air pollution as we did with COVID-19 – viewing it as a public health emergency,” said Dr. Angela Pratt during this year’s World Environment Day.
According to Ms. Ramla Khalidi, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam, air pollution not only impacts human health. The estimated socio-economic damage from air pollution in Vietnam amounts to over $13 billion per year, excluding future remediation costs. This figure is equivalent to 4% of the country’s GDP.
Road dust emissions are a major culprit
Dr. Angela Pratt emphasized that to minimize the impact of air pollution on health, actions need to be taken at multiple levels. In the short term, everything possible should be done to protect those most exposed and at risk. In the medium and long term, it is crucial to reduce pollution sources from fossil fuels, industry, waste burning, and straw burning after harvest.
The Hanoi Department of Natural Resources and Environment cites a 2021 World Bank study showing that the main sources of dust emissions in the capital come from road traffic and road dust, followed by industrial sources and straw burning. The UNDP states that transportation, construction, activities in industry, and agriculture significantly contribute to air pollution. Additionally, emissions from craft villages and smoke from straw burning processes further degrade air quality.
To improve the air quality in the capital, the Hanoi Department of Natural Resources and Environment has issued the Air Quality Management Plan for Hanoi City until 2030, with a vision towards 2035, outlining priority action programs such as reviewing and refining mechanisms and policies for air quality management; reducing emissions from key sources including transportation, construction, industry, and agriculture.
| Air pollution in Hanoi is assessed to impact the health of all citizens. However, the elderly, children, and those with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are particularly vulnerable. |
