Ministry of Health urgently recommends against prolonged air pollution

On December 4, in the face of prolonged air pollution in Hanoi and many northern provinces, the Ministry of Health issued an urgent warning.

The Ministry of Health recommends measures to protect health due to prolonged air pollution.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Health recommends that people regularly monitor air quality through official information channels, in order to proactively take measures to protect their health.

People should wear quality masks when going out, keep their rooms clean and their living spaces well-ventilated, and use masks and protective glasses when exposed to dusty environments.

Replacing polluting fuel sources such as coal stoves, firewood, and straw with electric and gas appliances is also encouraged. Cigarette and tobacco smokers should quit or limit smoking, and avoid cigarette smoke in common living spaces.

People sensitive to air pollutants should avoid exposure to sources of pollution such as traffic areas, construction sites, and places where coal and wood are burned. In conditions of heavy air pollution, if symptoms such as coughing, difficulty breathing, or chest pain appear, go immediately to a medical facility for examination and treatment.

The weather in Hanoi these past few days has been hazy due to fine dust and air pollution.

The Ministry of Health also clarified the recommendations applied according to the Air Quality Index (AQI). Specifically, when the AQI is at an average level of 51 to 100, normal people can participate in outdoor activities; but sensitive people should reduce the time spent outdoors and monitor their health if they have unusual symptoms.

AQI is poor from 101 to 150, people should reduce time participating in outdoor activities, especially in areas with high risk of pollution such as streets and construction sites. Students can participate in outdoor activities but should limit exercise or strenuous activity for a long time.

AQI is at a bad level from 151 to 200, people should limit outdoor activities, choose less polluted times to work and rest more. Using bicycles and public transport is encouraged to reduce exposure to polluted air. Sensitive people should do indoor activities, clean nose, throat and eyes with saline.

AQI is at very poor level from 201 to 300, all outdoor activities should be limited as much as possible. Families living near polluted areas should close windows and doors to reduce exposure to polluted air. The use of masks that can block fine dust is recommended.

AQI is at hazardous levels from 301 to 500, avoid all outdoor activities, keep windows and doors closed. Children should consider staying home from school if air quality is at hazardous levels for three consecutive days. If they must go to school, adjust school hours and limit outdoor activities.

Air pollution has a great impact on people's health.

According to the report on air quality of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, air pollution in Hanoi has been on the rise recently. AQI has reached bad levels at some points.

According to the World Health Organization, exposure to air pollutants increases the risk of acute respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, cardiovascular disease, stroke, skin damage, eye disease, and impacts the nervous system, immune system and mental health.

MINH KHANG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/bo-y-te-khuyen-cao-khan-truoc-tinh-trang-o-nhiem-khong-khi-keo-dai-post826848.html