On the morning of February 2, many areas in Hanoi were covered in fog, the air pollution index exceeded 200, at a level “harmful to health”.
According to AirVisual (the world air quality measurement organization), the air quality index (AQI) in many places in the capital on the morning of February 2 was over 200. This is a dangerous level of pollution, affecting to the elderly and young children, causing respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and respiratory failure. It is forecast that in the coming days, the indexes will continue to be at dangerous levels, especially in the early morning.
Similarly, on the PamAir air quality monitoring application (air quality monitoring network covering all 63 provinces and cities in Vietnam), many measuring points in the capital have red and purple air quality indexes (dangerous levels). dangerous).
The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting says this foggy, drizzle, and humid weather pattern will last in the North and North Central regions in the next few days.
Explaining the phenomenon of air pollution, a meteorological expert said the cause is due to unabated emission sources, plus humid weather and thick fog, causing dust in the air to be stored in the lower floors. diffuse more and more widely.
Similarly, Dr. Le Hoan, Head of the Department of Endocrinology and Respiratory Medicine, Hanoi Medical University Hospital, said that dense fog is caused by high air humidity and low temperature. This weather greatly affects people with chronic respiratory diseases, the elderly and young children, creating conditions for viruses and bacteria to grow and spread, thereby increasing respiratory infections. Breathing air in foggy weather exposes you to cold air and lots of water, causing chills, cough, runny nose, itchy eyes…
In addition, in the dense fog there is also fine dust and other types of household exhaust gases and impurities that further irritate the respiratory system, causing difficulty breathing and more discomfort. When entering the body, fine dust will penetrate the airways, causing damage to the lining of the trachea and bronchi. They also go deep into the alveoli, the end of the gas exchange organ, causing inflammation and fibrosis of the alveoli, leading to many respiratory diseases.
“If long-term exposure, the disease becomes complicated, causing chronic lung diseases,” the doctor said. In addition, fine dust that is too small in size penetrates the alveoli and capillaries into the body’s circulation, causing cardiovascular damage, cerebral stroke, and brain damage if exposed for a long time.
People with heart and respiratory problems, pregnant women, children and the elderly are more sensitive to fine dust. Mothers exposed for a long time can experience miscarriage, premature birth, birth defects and death.
In addition, sudden changes in temperature during the day, sometimes dry, sometimes wet, affect the body’s metabolism. Young children, the elderly, people with respiratory disease, heart disease, high blood pressure… need to be cautious when going out.
To limit the harmful effects of fog, experts recommend that people wear masks properly when going out, and limit outdoor exercise when there is fog and polluted weather. High-risk groups should not go out early in the morning to avoid exposure to fog. Make sure the air is in the house, don’t open the windows before the fog clears.
Use a vacuum cleaner to clean carpets, sofas and floors. Air purifiers can also be used to improve humidity and make the air cleaner.
Everyone should supplement foods rich in vitamins such as fruits, vegetables, and drink lots of water. Use moderate amounts of salt and fat in food, quit smoking, limit alcohol…
Monitor your own blood pressure if possible, listen to your body to know how to properly protect your health. Combine exercise and sports to improve health and improve resistance.
Thuy An