Post by : Saif Rahman

The capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, is engulfed in thick, hazardous smog once again. For an entire week, residents have been battling polluted air that irritates the eyes, strains the lungs, and disrupts daily routines. This worsening situation has compelled the government to adopt stringent measures, including mandating factories to limit their production levels.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Health declared that when the Air Quality Index (AQI) surpasses 200, industries such as steel, chemical, and power must scale back output. This directive followed an alarming AQI of 243 on Thursday, ranking Hanoi as the fourth most polluted city globally, according to AirVisual. Earlier in the week, the city even led the list of polluted areas worldwide.

For years, Hanoi has struggled with pollution, particularly in the winter months. As Vietnam’s industrial sector expands and urban migration intensifies, air quality continues to decline. Pollutants from factories, vehicles, and construction projects have increasingly tainted the atmosphere.

Residents, like 30-year-old Pham Thu Giang, express frustration as the thick smog obscures their surroundings and causes eye irritation. Despite wearing a mask when venturing outside, she finds it insufficient for protection against unhealthy air. Older citizens, such as 75-year-old Luong Van Toi, report feelings of fatigue and weakness exacerbated by the smog. These narratives highlight the direct impact of pollution on daily lives.

Authorities identify key pollution contributors as transportation, industrial activities, construction efforts, and the burning of waste and agricultural residues. With gasoline-powered motorbikes prevalent in the city, official Le Thanh Thuy notes they significantly worsen the pollution crisis.

In response, the city has introduced a partial ban on gasoline-powered motorbikes in central areas, set to begin in mid-2026, with plans to extend restrictions to fossil fuel vehicles. This decisive action underscores the gravity of the pollution dilemma.

The statistics are alarming. Converting Hanoi’s AQI to PM2.5 levels reveals that this week's pollution could be nearly 50 times higher than the WHO's recommended safe limit. PM2.5 particles are particularly perilous, penetrating the lungs and even entering the bloodstream, leading to severe health issues like heart disease, asthma, and lung damage.

While Vietnam strives for rapid economic growth, Hanoi has evolved into a bustling hub for production and commerce. However, this progress must not come at the expense of public health. The persistent smog is an urgent call to action, advocating for long-term policy changes beyond merely reducing factory output.

For Hanoi to escape this dark cloud, improvements in public transit, promotion of cleaner energy sources, and stricter waste burning regulations are essential. The health of millions hinges on today’s governmental decisions.

This ongoing crisis serves as a sobering reminder not just to Vietnam but to all cities experiencing swift development. Clean air is a fundamental right, not a privilege. Hanoi must prioritize action now to prevent smog from permanently lingering in its skyline.

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