Hanoi, Hai Phong report poor air quality on Monday

Authorities have also issued a purple alert, indicating very poor air quality that can significantly affect public health.

At red alert levels, sensitive groups may experience health impacts.

At 8:00 am, monitoring points in Hanoi, including Giai Phong Street, Nguyen Van Cu Street, and Nhan Chinh - Khuat Duy Tien Park, recorded unhealthy air quality.

Poor air conditions were also observed in Hung Yen Province and Hai Phong City.

Associate Professor Le Thi Thanh Huong, vice-rector of the Hanoi University of Public Health, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that air pollution can cause acute respiratory infections and cardiovascular diseases.

She advised people to wear appropriate masks capable of filtering fine particulate matter on days with poor air quality.

Families with young children should monitor their health closely and watch for signs of respiratory infections.

Also, elderly individuals or those with chronic conditions should limit outdoor exposure.

“Even healthy people should avoid outdoor exercise during days with low air quality, especially in the early morning when pollution levels are at the highest level,” Dr. Huong added.

Efforts to improve air quality, control emissions

Vietnam's prime minister has recently approved a national action plan to tackle air pollution and manage air quality from 2026 to 2030, with a vision toward 2045.

The plan sets goals for the 2026-30 period to control, prevent, and gradually improve air pollution in key economic zones, focusing on Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and neighboring provinces.

Under the plan, 100 percent of major industrial emission sources such as cement plants, thermal power plants, steel factories, and boilers will be strictly managed and gradually phased toward reduced emissions.

All road vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, will also be monitored and regulated according to national emission standards, with a roadmap to reduce pollution from transportation over time.