Pollution Chokes Vietnam's Capital Amid Rising Global Concerns

Hoan Kiem Lake, a famed spot in Vietnam's capital popular among locals and tourists for its scenic beauty, recently found itself veiled in haze due to the persistent smog that has engulfed the city. The smog, a consequence of various sources such as vehicle emissions, coal plants, and agricultural burning to manage crop debris and control pests, has led to Hanoi frequently ranking high on the list of the world's most polluted cities according to monitoring services.

The concerning levels of pollution in Hanoi and other Asian cities have sparked global health worries, with the World Health Organization linking poor air quality to an increased risk of lung cancer, heart diseases, and other health issues. The effects of air pollution, even at moderate levels, can have immediate impacts on individuals, causing discomfort like dry and itchy throat and eyes, difficulty in breathing, headaches, and fatigue. The air's quality can also be perceived through unpleasant smells like ash, fuel, or bleach, making outdoor exposure even for short periods an unpleasant experience.

According to reports from IQAir, Asia, with its concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), tops the list with countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and China facing severe air pollution challenges. Hanoi and Jakarta are currently competing for the unenviable title of the most polluted capital in Southeast Asia, with industrial activities, agricultural practices, population density, and geographical factors contributing to the worsened air quality in these regions. Despite efforts to tackle air pollution, countries like China have only recently seen improvements after years of concerted actions, including relocating heavy industries away from major urban centers. Vietnam is also working towards implementing stricter emissions standards and traffic regulations to combat the escalating air pollution in the midst of rapid economic growth.