Despite the persistent smog in Hanoi's skies, the air quality within Ho Chi Minh city remains pristine.

Despite Ho Chi Minh City's enviable air quality, Hanoi has recently been classified as "poor" with high particulate matter levels.

AccuWeather, a U.S.-based weather forecast service recording the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Hanoi on Wednesday morning determined that AQI was 63, ranking it as "poor". The PM2.5 level stood at 32 g/m3 and is expected to remain between 65 and 86 until Saturday. A higher index indicates more severe air pollution conditions.

In HCMC, the air quality on Wednesday was rated as "excellent" by AccuWeather, with an AQI of 19. PM2.5 levels were observed at only 8 g/m3 and also attained a perfect score for its excellent air quality! The air quality in Ho Chi Minh City is anticipated to be either "favorable" or "unfavorable" over the course of this weekend. Forecasts predict an AQI value ranging from 20-21.

IQAir, a Switzerland-based air quality monitoring facility, recently released AirVisual's analysis of Hanoi's AQI; the 127 mark represents an unhealthy level for those with compromised respiratory systems. PM2.5 concentrations are reported to be at 46 g/m3 - 9.2x higher than WHO standards!

The AQI in Hanoi is projected to fluctuate between 127 and 173 until Saturday, which for sensitive groups may be hazardous. Meanwhile, HCMC on Wednesday shows an average air quality reading with a PM2.5 level at 28.9 g/m3 - a typical range of values acceptable to the general public without causing any significant ill effects or discomfort whatsoever.

Air quality in HCMC is anticipated to remain moderate for the time being, with forecasts predicting AQI readings ranging from 75-95.

PM2.5 is an ambient airborne particulate that measures up to 2.5 microns in size, which is approximately one-hundredth the width of a human hair. These minute particles enter deep into our bloodstream once inhaled and can potentially lead to health issues such as asthma, lung cancer or heart disease - all of which can be linked to negative health effects like cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, and premature mortality.

Source: VNExpress