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Hanoi Chokes: Toxic Smog Hits Crisis Levels
11 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Hanoi's air quality ranks among the world's worst, exceeding WHO limits.
- Residents report breathing difficulties and increased use of air purifiers.
- Authorities urge reduced outdoor time and school closures if needed.
Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, is currently enveloped in toxic smog, severely impacting air quality and residents' health. Air pollution levels have reached critical points, with PM2.5 pollutant concentrations far exceeding World Health Organization guidelines. The choking smog has led to widespread respiratory discomfort among the city's nine million inhabitants, many of whom have resorted to using multiple air purifiers.
In response to the deteriorating air quality, Hanoi authorities have issued an administrative order to mitigate the crisis. This order includes directives to reduce outdoor exposure, potentially close schools if conditions escalate, and intensify efforts to control dust from construction sites and illegal waste burning. However, citizens express skepticism about the enforcement of these measures.
Experts attribute Hanoi's persistent pollution to a combination of extensive construction, high vehicle emissions, and agricultural burning. Authorities are planning future initiatives, such as banning gas motorbikes from central areas during specific hours, in an attempt to combat the ongoing air quality issues.
