Hanoi air pollution worsens over weekend

The air pollution in Hanoi and northern Vietnam continued to worsen over the weekend, Vietnam News has reported.The air quality on Friday morning reached purple level (very unhealthy), according to data accrued from over 50 weather stations.

On Friday morning Hanoi was registering a PM2.5 level of 290, with the provinces of Nam Dinh, Thai Binh, Vin Phuc, Bac Giang, Ninh Bing, Hung Yen and Thai Nguyen hovering at a range between about 200 and 290. PM2.5 refers to small particles in the air that easily penetrate the lungs and cause the air to appear hazy when levels are high.

Duc Thang station in Hanoi’s Bac Tung district and Van Con station in Hoai Duc district recorded PM2.5 levels of between 319 and 324. At this level, air is considered toxic and can pose a threat to health and safety. In these areas, it was recommended that people stay indoors.