Air quality in Vietnam has dropped to alarming levels.

Air quality in Vietnam is at an alarming level, especially in large cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. In recent days, people have had to deal with serious air pollution, with the AQI index continuously exceeding the safe threshold, directly affecting public health. Air pollution not only reduces the quality of life but is also the cause of many dangerous diseases, requiring timely control and improvement measures.

What is the AQI?

AQI (Air Quality Index) is a measure that reflects the level of air pollution in real time, helping people easily assess the quality of the surrounding air. This index is especially important because it directly affects human health, especially sensitive groups such as children, the elderly and people with respiratory diseases.

AQI is calculated based on the concentrations of major pollutants:

• Ground-level ozone (O₃): Formed from chemical reactions between industrial and traffic emissions and sunlight.
• Fine dust PM2.5 and PM10: Ultra-fine dust particles generated from vehicle exhaust, factories, garbage burning, forest fires, etc. can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory diseases.
• CO (carbon monoxide): Comes from vehicle engines, burning fossil fuels, can cause suffocation at high concentrations.
• SO₂ (sulfur dioxide): Mainly from thermal power plants, industry, affects the respiratory system and causes acid rain.
• NO₂ (nitrogen dioxide): Causes eye, nose, and lung irritation, linked to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

AQI levels and health impacts:

Air Quality Index (AQI) and Health Effects

Current status of air quality in major cities

Stepping out into the street in a layer of fine dust, the feeling of suffocation has become all too familiar to urban residents. In recent days, the air in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City has continuously fallen to hazardous levels, especially during the transitional season when fog combined with exhaust fumes aggravates the pollution situation.

The AQI index sometimes exceeds safe levels, directly affecting the health of millions of people, especially children, the elderly and those with respiratory diseases. According to statistics, air pollution is the cause of at least 70,000 deaths each year in Vietnam, showing the seriousness of this problem.

How to measure air quality?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is an important measure reflecting the level of pollution based on parameters such as fine dust PM2.5, PM10, SO₂, NO₂, CO, O₃. Currently, there are three main methods for measurement: automatic monitoring, manual monitoring and satellite monitoring. Of which, automatic monitoring is highly appreciated for its ability to continuously monitor and provide accurate data in real time.

To meet this need, Viet An Enviro introduces the solution iMisff 8101 AQ, an automatic air monitoring system that measures fine dust, toxic gases and meteorological parameters according to international standards. Thanks to the integrated design from hardware to software, the system not only optimizes costs and time but also ensures reliable data, effectively supporting environmental monitoring and management.

Current clean air standards?

In Vietnam, QCVN 05:2013/BTNMT is the national technical regulation regulating the limits of pollutants in ambient air, including SO₂, CO, NO₂, O₃ and fine dust (PM2.5, PM10). In addition, TCVN 13521:2022 on indoor air quality also plays an important role in protecting public health. Compliance with these standards is not only the responsibility of management agencies and businesses but also requires the cooperation of the whole society.

Internationally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued more stringent guidelines on air quality to protect human health to the maximum. These standards are considered important measures and are referenced by many countries. In addition, in specific industrial fields, ISO 14644-1 regulates the cleanliness of air in cleanrooms, ensuring a high standard working environment.

Air quality is assessed based on important indicators such as fine dust (PM2.5, PM10), toxic gases (SO₂, NO₂, CO, O₃) and total suspended particulate matter (TSP). Of which, fine dust can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, while toxic gases can seriously affect human health. Therefore, controlling and minimizing air pollution is an urgent issue.

What is the solution to ensure clean air quality?

Air pollution is a serious problem that requires comprehensive and effective solutions. Based on the experiences of countries that have successfully controlled air pollution such as Bangkok (Thailand) and Beijing (China), Vietnam can learn and apply appropriate models to improve air quality in the following ways:

Traffic emission control

Traffic is one of the main causes of air pollution in large cities. Controlling emissions from vehicles should be done through the following measures:

• Expanding public transport network: Investing in developing buses using clean fuel, expanding the train system and building infrastructure for bicycles and pedestrians to reduce personal vehicles.
• Use clean fuels: Encourage switching to electric vehicles, compressed natural gas (CNG) or hydrogen vehicles to reduce harmful emissions.
• Controlling private vehicles: Apply policies to limit private vehicles in areas with high pollution levels, while promoting people to use public transport.

Strengthening monitoring and publication of pollution data

Real-time monitoring of air quality helps authorities and the community take timely measures to reduce pollution. However, the number of monitoring stations in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is currently limited, affecting the effectiveness of pollution control.

• Expanding the monitoring system: More investment in measuring stations is needed to have more accurate real-time data onair quality.
• Data disclosure: Updating and widely publicizing air quality data helps raise public awareness and puts pressure on businesses and governments to act.

Building green communities, green businesses

Cities cannot achieve good air quality without the participation of businesses and communities. A sustainable green environment requires a shift in lifestyles and business models:

• Promoting the model of “green hotels, green offices, green shopping malls”: Businesses need to apply energy-saving technology and limit toxic gas emissions.
• Improving urban space: Increasing green areas, building parks to reduce fine dust and improve air quality.

Tighten pollution management policy

Besides technical solutions, air pollution control requires strong government involvement with strict policies:

• Develop an emissions reduction roadmap: Set specific emissions reduction targets for industry, transport and building sectors.
• Strengthen sanctions: Conduct regular inspections and strictly punish businesses and vehicles that do not meet emission standards.

Conclusion

Air pollution is a serious problem that requires close coordination between the government, businesses and the community to find sustainable solutions. From controlling emissions sources, expanding monitoring systems to raising awareness of environmental protection, each individual and organization plays an important role in improving air quality. Only with drastic and synchronous actions can we build a clean living environment, ensuring the health of current and future generations.