Air Pollution in Vietnam: A Wake-Up Call from the Numbers
Air pollution in Vietnam has reached alarming levels, especially in the early months of this year. Air quality monitoring stations have repeatedly recorded pollution levels exceeding safety thresholds, significantly affecting public health, particularly in major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
The Impact of Air Pollution on Public Health
According to statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 60,000 deaths each year in Vietnam are linked to air pollution. Specifically, a report from the Union of Science and Technology Associations in Ho Chi Minh City highlights that in 2017, air pollution caused 1,397 deaths, primarily due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Among these, PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) is the leading cause of death, accounting for 81.32% of fatalities.
These harmful effects are particularly severe in large cities, where high traffic density and extensive construction projects exacerbate the problem. Residents face a rising number of respiratory illnesses, such as rhinitis, bronchitis, and asthma. Major hospitals are increasingly reporting admissions for respiratory and cardiovascular conditions, particularly during seasonal transitions or when air quality reaches hazardous levels.
Air pollution doesn't only harm the respiratory system; it also poses a significant threat to skin health. Prolonged exposure to fine dust particles and pollutants can lead to a range of skin conditions, including allergic dermatitis, hives, and even more serious skin diseases. Numerous studies have shown that air pollution accelerates skin aging, leading to wrinkles, dark spots, and an increased risk of skin cancer due to the combined effects of fine particles and UV rays from sunlight.
Preventive Measures Against Air Pollution: A Step Towards a Healthier Life
As air pollution continues to escalate, residents of major cities, especially Hanoi, have begun to feel its negative effects more acutely. Symptoms such as coughing, rhinitis, and sore throats have become increasingly common. In response, many households have proactively invested in air purifiers, though their effectiveness remains limited, especially when pollution levels reach severe thresholds.
Another simple yet effective solution is wearing face masks, particularly when pollution levels are high. However, improving air quality in the long term requires a collective effort from both government authorities and the community.
Looking to India, a country grappling with severe air pollution, especially in the capital New Delhi, we can see that reducing fine particulate matter remains a daunting challenge. While the Indian government has implemented several control measures, results have yet to meet expectations.
Conclusion: Air Pollution and the Urgent Need for Global Action
Air pollution is one of the leading factors affecting human health and quality of life. Governments in major cities around the world are striving to address the issue through measures to control emissions from transportation and industry. However, these efforts have yet to yield significant results, and many challenges remain. A more integrated and effective environmental policy is essential to reduce pollution levels and safeguard public health for future generations.
Source: Tuổi Trẻ