Hà Nội air quality improves in March thanks to COVID-19

HÀ NỘI — Hà Nội’s air quality improved significantly in March following the drastic reduction of traffic and suspension of construction due to COVID- 一 九 pandemic, the Việt Nam Environment Administration (VEA) reported on Tuesday. 

The concentration of fine dust PM 二. 五 still exceeded Việt Nam’s standard of  五0 micrograms per one cu.m of air on some days, however, the pollution level showed a downward trend compared to January and February.

From March  六 to  一 七, Hà Nội air quality index (AQI) was reported at levels of unhealthy for sensitive groups.

“On March  一 六, it was foggy the whole day, doubling the concentration of PM 二. 五 compared to Việt Nam’s standard,” said a VEA representative.

Along with weather changes, the halt of production and traffic due to COVID- 一 九 helped Hà Nội’s air remain at good to moderate levels on most days.

A similar trend was also reflected in air quality of other localities, especially HCM City where AQI was reported at good levels throughout March.

In early April, Hà Nội’s air was breathable with AQI reported at good to moderate levels by independent trackers AirVisual and PAMAir.

However, on Tuesday, the city’s air pollution got worse with AQI at unhealthy levels. — VNS