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| The Ministry of Health advises that in case of hazardous air quality, sensitive groups must avoid all outdoor activities and stay indoors. VNA/VNS Photo |
HÀ NỘI The Health Environment Management Agency under the Ministry of Health has recommended that children at kindergartens and primary schools stay home for three consecutive days if the air quality index is at a hazardous level (Air Quality Index of 301-500).
If children have no choice but to go to school, they should avoid outdoor activities, switch to indoor activities or adjust school time, said the ministry.
The recommendation was made in the context of the increasing air pollution in Hà Nội, HCM City and neighbouring provinces over recent days. There have been times when the air quality index reached unhealthy and very unhealthy levels.
Hà Nội topped the list of the world’s most air-polluted cities, with air quality reaching the purple level, classified as 'Very Unhealthy' as recorded on Tuesday morning.
HCM City also ranked among the top five most polluted cities in the world at the same time, with an AQI of 186, classified as 'Unhealthy'.
The Ministry of Health also advises that in case of the hazardous air quality, sensitive groups must avoid all outdoor activities and stay indoors. They should close windows and doors to avoid exposure to pollutants.
If experiencing acute symptoms such as shortness of breath, cough, or fever, they must seek medical attention immediately.
At other air quality levels, sensitive groups need to reduce or limit outdoor activities to minimise air pollutant exposure.
The Ministry of Health has also introduced measures to prevent and combat the effects of air pollution on health.
According to the World Health Organisation, exposure to air pollutants increases the risk of acute respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, cardiovascular diseases and stroke. It can cause skin damage, eye diseases, affect the nervous system and immune system, alongside being damaging to mental health. VNS
