Air Quality in Ho Chi Minh City Declines in 2025
Air quality in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) has shown concerning signs of deterioration in 2025, driven largely by increased fine particulate matter and intensifying traffic emissions, according to a newly released government report.
The findings come from the 2025 Environmental Quality, Water Resources Monitoring, and Emission Source Supervision Program, published by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. The assessment draws on data from 118 air monitoring sites across the expanded HCMC area, including the former provinces of Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau, which were officially merged into the city in July.
Fine dust levels rise in traffic and industrial zones
The report highlights a notable increase in total suspended particulates (TSP) and PM10 concentrations, particularly in areas with heavy traffic, industrial parks, seaports, and mining activities. In contrast, most residential neighborhoods avoided sharp pollution spikes, with some locations even recording lower dust levels than in previous years.
Authorities identified the main pollution sources as transportation, industrial production, construction activities, and transboundary air pollution drifting in from neighboring provinces such as Dong Nai and Tay Ninh (including Long An).
PM2.5 exceeds safety limits at multiple hotspots
Of greatest concern is the sharp rise in PM2.5, ultrafine particles small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. At several traffic corridors and industrial hotspots, PM2.5 concentrations exceeded Vietnam’s national standards by 1.1 to 4.6 times. This marks a significant regression compared to 2024, when PM2.5 levels largely remained within permissible limits.
In addition, benzene, a known carcinogen commonly associated with vehicle emissions, exceeded safety thresholds at certain traffic-heavy locations.
Noise pollution remains an issue
While average noise levels declined slightly compared to previous years, they continued to exceed allowable limits along major roads and near waste treatment facilities. High vehicle density and ongoing construction were cited as the primary contributors.
Other monitored air quality parameters — including SO₂, NO₂, CO, lead (Pb), and vibration levels — remained stable and within regulatory standards.
AQI remains “good” on most days, but risks persist
Despite worsening fine dust indicators, the Department of Agriculture and Environment reported that the daily Air Quality Index (AQI) remained at a “good” level for 56–87% of the year. Days classified as “poor” accounted for 4–11%, with only one day reaching an “unhealthy” AQI level. No days were recorded as “very unhealthy” or “hazardous.”
However, experts caution that AQI averages can mask short-term pollution spikes, particularly PM2.5 exposure near roads and industrial zones, which pose long-term health risks.
Expansion of monitoring and greener transport plans underway
To strengthen air quality management, the city plans to install an additional 157 air monitoring stations, improving real-time data collection and early warning capabilities.
At the same time, the construction sector has proposed a roadmap to make HCMC’s transport system greener. Key measures include expanding the use of electric vehicles, piloting low-emission zones, tightening motorbike emission controls and enforcing stricter dust-suppression requirements at construction sites.
Source: VnExpress