Road transport makes up 85 percent of total emissions, an overwhelming proportion over other segments.

The coal-fired power plants in the region are believed to be a main contributor to the increased pollution in HCM City.

The air quality in large urban areas, especially Hanoi, has been rated poor or even dangerous recently.

There are three ‘pillars’ for air quality management, including data from emission sources, air monitoring data, and assessments about the human impact. Vietnam lacks data about all three.

Though air pollution has worsened in Hanoi and HCM City, air quality forecasts are insufficient because of a lack of monitoring stations.

Asked if Hanoi is one of the two most polluted cities in Southeast Asia, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Natural Resources and the Environment Le Tuan Dinh said there was no convincing proof.

VietNamNet Bridge - If Hanoi doesn’t take action now to improve the air quality, it will face serious air pollution problems in the future that now plague Beijing, experts say.

Cars are the preference of many Vietnamese, but they remain too expensive in the country, with high taxes and prices among the highest in the world.

VietNamNet Bridge - Hanoi and HCM City are considering prohibiting motorbikes from entering inner city areas.

The air pollution in Hanoi is getting more serious, partly due to emissions from coal-fired power and cement plants located in Hai Phong and Quang Ninh.

VietNamNet Bridge - Scientists and physicians have released new reports about air pollution in HCMC, warning that air quality is worsening.

VietNamNet Bridge - Environmental experts say 70 percent of the volume of exhaust gas emitted into the environment comes from transport vehicles.