VietNamNet Bridge – Increased traffic and on-going construction in Hanoi and HCM City have driven air pollution beyond safe levels, especially in terms of dust concentration.

Motorbike rider covers his face from the dust in HCM City

Since Yen Nghia Street is connected to National Highway 6A and is part of an important route connecting Hanoi to the west, thousands of vehicles use the street each day, and in addition, there are three on-going traffic constructions along Yen Nghia Street.

Nguyen Thi Hoa, a resident on the street, said after construction on the city’s metro started, families had complained about dust getting everywhere, covering the grass and plants and their windows.

Several key routes that connect to HCM City also suffer the same problem such as Truong Chinh Street or the Hanoi Highway.

In November, the Environment Department, under the Ministry of Transport, announced that the pollution level in Hanoi was double the allowed level and five to seven times higher than normal at crowded intersections or residential areas.

Statistics from HCM City Environmental Protection Agency also pointed out that the city's concentration of dust is 1.2 to 2.2 higher than normal, depending on location. According to a survey by Vietnam Environment Administration, 72 percent of households in Hanoi have respiratory illnesses.

Pham Sanh, an expert in transport and environment, said, "people living in air polluted areas face even more risks than people who smoke. Air pollution may cause intestinal diseases and vision problems too."

Dang Hung Vo, former Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, said the main cause of air pollution in Hanoi were on-going construction and uncovered vehicles that carry waste or construction materials. He suggested that the city authorities should pay more attention to ensuring the city preserves its water surfaces, land and greenery.

DTriNews/LD