The number of days with harmful air quality in Hanoi increased in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period of last year, according to a study conducted by the Hanoi-based Green Innovation and Development Centre (GreenID).

The study measuring the air quality in Vietnam’s major cities was mentioned by Nguy Thi Khanh, Director of GreenID of the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations at a discussion on air quality held by the US Embassy recently.

The study indicated that during the January-March period, 37 out of 90 days in Hanoi had the concentration of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) during 24 hours, higher than the national limit of 50 micrograms per cubic metre. 

Meanwhile, on 78 days, the air data violated WHO guidelines. 

Air pollution in Hanoi reached its peak with 234 micrograms per cubic metre on the 15th of February at 11am, nearly five times compared to the national limit and WHO guidelines.

The study showed that the air quality in HCM City was worse than the same period of last year, but still better than in Hanoi. 

Between January and March, six days in HCM City exceeded the national limit of 50 micrograms per cubic metre.

Thanh suggested that Vietnam should have laws on clean air to reduce greenhouse emissions and boost the renewable energy development.

GreenID also showed that sources of air pollution in Vietnam come from vehicles, construction, burning waste, cooking, trans-boundary pollutants and coal power plants.

There are over 5 million motorbikes on Hanoi’s roads and some 19,000 new vehicles are registered each month. 

Around 140 new cars and 750 new motorbikes are registered daily in HCM City.

Dtinews