The truth from the atmosphere we still breathe every day

Recent figures show that Hanoi is more polluted than Beijing.

Air pollution is a problem of almost all major cities in the world. In particular, it seems that Beijing City is a prominent figure on this issue, as the Chinese government continuously gives red alert about pollution beyond the danger level in this city.

But recently, a website that provides air pollution data in cities has evaluated Hanoi - our capital - with air pollution that surpasses Beijing.

Dense air pollution in Beijing.

Specifically, the website Aqicn.org provides PM2.5 index (dust particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter) of Hanoi in the last 2 days up to 388 micrograms / m ³ - the highest threshold, the lowest level Also up to 114 micrograms / m ³ . Meanwhile, the highest threshold in Beijing at the same time is only 298 micrograms / m ³ .

AQI index of Hanoi on March 1 (above) and Beijing 4/3 (below).

But what do these indicators mean?

The indicators . horror

If you do not know, the above index must be said to be horribly high. If this level of pollution is converted into a measure of air quality AQI (Air quality Index) will be 426 - reaching a level of danger, enough to make anyone at risk of serious injury to the lungs and Respiratory.

If you do not know, the above index must be said to be horribly high.(Photo: Vietnamnet).

Even when converting the lowest index in the latest days of 114 micrograms / m ³ , AQI now also reaches 188 - close to the "Poor" (Unhealthy) threshold.

Meanwhile, the allowed PM2.5 index in Vietnam is only 50 micrograms / m ³ , which is 6 times lower than what is measured.

Can conclude the atmosphere in Hanoi more polluted than Beijing?

IT'S CORRECT! But that is in the case of PM2.5 and AQI alone. Be aware, AQI is just a standard indicator in some countries, not all. In other words, different countries will have different norms of air quality indicators , such as China or Malaysia, the API (Air pollution Index).

Moreover, AQI has a disadvantage: the calculations are based on PM2.5 index only - the amount of molecular pollution less than 2.5 micrometers in air.

Meanwhile, to assess the pollution, it is necessary to consider many other indicators such as: PM10, CO ₂ in the air .

The increase in dust concentration in the air in Hanoi is not too difficult to understand.

And the increase in dust concentration in the air in Hanoi over Beijing is not too difficult to understand.

In terms of area, Hanoi lost 5 times to Beijing and according to statistics from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, our Capital is now like a great construction site, with thousands of small and large projects under construction each day. Not to mention, 147 out of 400 production facilities in Hanoi risk discharging air pollution.

The terrible road in Jakarta.(Photo: Vietbao).

Moreover, having millions of vehicles on the road every day also helps to increase the amount of dust in the air to a higher concentration, while emitting a small amount of emissions.

How does air pollution affect people?

In fact, where the amount of pollution is greater is not important, the problem is that the amount of pollution affects our health - people who breathe it directly every day - how.

Crossroads Khuat Duy Tien - Nguyen Trai fall into a horrifying traffic jam.(Photo: otofun).

Do not think "dust" is simple . Molecules called "dust" can be solid or liquid so they can contain many toxic chemicals.

Not to mention "dust" is very small size so it can easily go deep into our lungs, and of course will cause very serious consequences.

Molecules called "dust" can be solid or liquid so they can contain many toxic chemicals.

Symptoms will depend on exposure time and dust concentration in the air, in other words PM2.5.According to WHO, PM2.5 less than 25 micrograms / m ³ is a safety index , and beyond 100 is a bad influence on people.

Short-term symptoms include eye, nose, and throat irritation, which can cause bronchitis or pneumonia.

Some people may have headaches, nausea, and allergies. For people who have a history of pulmonary heart disease, dust will make the disease worse, increase the likelihood of death.

The availability of millions of vehicles on the road every day also helps to increase the amount of dust in the air to a higher concentration.

And yet, if exposed to dust for a long time, complications will be terrible, such as chronic respiratory disease, lung cancer, heart disease, even bad effects on the brain, nerves, liver and kidney.

When going to the street, remember to wear a mask all the time.

And you understand what you have to do, right? First of all, it is necessary to limit the road . And no matter what level of pollution, the road "tight" to cover the mask already!