Air pollution status is becoming a pressing global concern, especially in developing countries like Vietnam. This issue is persistent and silent, yet it leaves significant consequences on human health, the environment, and socio-economic development. Therefore, understanding the causes and finding effective solutions for air pollution is essential. Let’s delve into this issue in detail.
What is air pollution?
Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the air, including fine dust (PM2.5, PM10), industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust (CO, NO₂, SO₂), ground-level ozone, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These pollutants significantly affect human health, the environment, and ecosystems.
Air pollution status is measured using the Air Quality Index (AQI). The higher the AQI, the more severe the pollution:
- 0–50: Good
- 51–100: Moderate
- 101–150: Unhealthy for sensitive groups
- Over 200: Hazardous to the entire population
Current air pollution in Vietnam
In recent years, Vietnam has witnessed a significant rise in air pollution, especially in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. AQI levels are often in the “unhealthy” to “very unhealthy” range, exceeding safe limits for human health.
According to IQAir data, in early 2025, Hanoi repeatedly ranked among the most polluted cities in the world with an AQI of 271—far above WHO’s safe threshold. Main contributors include traffic emissions, industrial activity, rice straw burning, and unfavorable weather conditions. Ho Chi Minh City also faces severe pollution, with AQI ranging between 150 and 200 in early 2025, posing a serious health risk.
WHO estimates about 70,000 premature deaths in Vietnam annually due to air pollution. Common diseases include cardiovascular disease, stroke, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory illnesses.
Sources of air pollution
Air pollution status arises when harmful substances exceed acceptable levels. These sources fall into two main categories: natural and human-induced.
Natural sources
Some natural factors can also contribute to deteriorating air quality, especially during short periods or in localized areas. Examples include:
- Volcanic eruptions: Release large amounts of SO₂, CO₂, and ash, contributing to acid rain and harming land, water, and vegetation.
- Wildfires: Triggered by heatwaves or lightning, emitting CO, CO₂, NOx, and PM2.5.
- Dust storms: Common in arid regions, reduce visibility and impact respiratory health.
- Pollen and airborne microbes: Seasonal allergens leading to asthma and allergic rhinitis.
- Methane from animals and decomposition: CH₄ is a potent greenhouse gas, 25 times stronger than CO₂.
Human-induced sources
These are the main causes and the largest contributors to current air pollution. Human activities such as production, daily living, transportation, and energy consumption are the primary culprits in rapidly increasing the amount of harmful emissions in the atmosphere.
Transportation
Transportation is considered the biggest culprit in urban areas. Motorbikes, cars, and vehicles running on fossil fuels such as gasoline and diesel emit large amounts of toxic gases like CO, NO₂, SO₂, along with fine dust particles PM2.5 and PM10 – all of which are serious threats to respiratory and cardiovascular health.
Industrial and agricultural activities
Industrial activities in factories, production plants, and processing zones also significantly contribute to air pollution. Emissions from these activities contain dust, SO₂, CO, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which affect not only the environment but also have widespread impacts on the health of surrounding communities. Many factories have not yet equipped themselves with standardized exhaust treatment systems.
Use of Fossil Fuels
The use of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas in electricity production, cooking, and heating is a major source of CO₂ emissions – the leading cause of the greenhouse effect and global climate change.
Burning of Straw, Waste, and Household Fuels
In rural areas and low-income neighborhoods, the burning of straw, waste, and charcoal remains common, leading to the generation of dense smoke and harmful substances like VOCs, which contribute to photochemical smog.
Construction and Demolition Activities
Construction and demolition activities are also significant contributors to air pollution. Poorly managed construction sites and the transportation of materials such as cement and gravel release fine dust into the air, affecting the quality of life for nearby residents.
Livestock Farming and Waste Treatment
Finally, livestock farming and waste treatment contribute to pollution as open-air landfills and the decomposition of organic waste generate methane (CH₄), ammonia (NH₃), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) – toxic gases with unpleasant odors that impact the nervous and respiratory systems.
While natural factors can contribute to air pollution status, human activities are the primary and controllable sources of pollution. Therefore, to improve air quality, reduce illness, and protect ecosystems, it is crucial to focus on managing human-generated emission sources – particularly in transportation, industry, and energy.
Consequences of air pollution
Air pollution causes serious consequences, having widespread impacts on human health and ecosystems. It is a major factor in the deaths of millions of plants, animals, and humans each year, becoming a global threat.
Impact on flora, fauna, and ecosystems
Polluted air directly affects the life and development of plants, animals, and entire ecosystems. For plants, substances such as ground-level ozone (O₃), SO₂, and NO₂ can burn leaves, reduce photosynthesis, stunt growth, decrease agricultural yields, and even cause mass deaths in certain sensitive species. Acid rain – a byproduct of industrial emissions – also contributes to soil degradation, nutrient leaching, deforestation, and the destruction of aquatic environments.
For animals, species that breathe polluted air often suffer from respiratory inflammation, lung damage, reduced immunity, and decreased reproductive abilities. In particular, species living near industrial zones or large cities are more vulnerable due to their exposure to high levels of fine dust and toxic gases. Ecosystems such as lakes, ponds, and rivers are also impacted as toxic gases dissolve in the water, leading to fish deaths, reduced biodiversity, and disruptions in natural food chains.
Impact on human health
Air pollution is the leading cause of many serious health issues, particularly in urban populations and vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions. Breathing air containing fine particulate matter (PM2.5), toxic gases like CO, NO₂, and SO₂ over extended periods can lead to chronic diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and even lung cancer.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 7 million premature deaths occur globally each year due to exposure to polluted air, with Vietnam accounting for around 60,000 to 70,000 cases. Additionally, recent studies indicate that air pollution can impair cognitive function, cause depression, insomnia, and negatively affect intellectual development in young children. Pregnant women exposed to polluted air are at a higher risk of preterm births, birth defects, and low birth weight.
Solutions to control and improve air quality
Air pollution is not only an environmental issue, but a comprehensive crisis affecting health and ecosystems. Controlling, reducing, and preventing air pollution is a collective responsibility of society—ranging from government agencies to individual citizens—aimed at protecting life on Earth and securing the future of humanity. The Vietnamese government has been implementing several measures to improve air quality, such as:
- Promoting green transportation: The government aims to convert 100% of buses and taxis to electric vehicles by 2030 to reduce emissions from transportation.
- Applying Euro 5 emission standards: Starting in 2022, all new cars in Vietnam must comply with Euro 5 emission standards to reduce harmful emissions.
- Raising public awareness: The government is intensifying campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of air pollution and encouraging people to use public transportation, limit straw and waste burning.
Additionally, businesses and manufacturing plants are among the major sources of air pollution, especially in industrial zones and satellite cities. Therefore, controlling emissions and transitioning to green production models is essential for businesses to ensure sustainable development, comply with legal regulations, and protect their brand image. To control and improve air pollution in these units and manufacturing plants, business owners can apply several solutions, including:
- Install standard emission treatment systems
Use appropriate technologies like electrostatic precipitators, activated carbon adsorption, or wet scrubbers,… Ensure continuous monitoring and link data to environmental authorities.
In particular, prioritize using high-performance, energy-efficient filtration technology from reputable companies such as Tan Thanh Filtration. We are proud to be one of the leading companies in Vietnam specializing in the manufacturing, consulting, design, and installation of comprehensive industrial dust filtration systems. With over 14 years of experience in the industry, Tan Thanh has established its position for over a decade. Our products are committed to meeting international standards. Tan Thanh not only provides products but also partners with businesses in protecting the environment and the health of workers.
- Adopt cleaner production technology
Businesses need to upgrade machinery and equipment to be energy-efficient and low-emission. They should adopt a circular production model, reuse materials, utilize waste heat, and reduce the generation of waste. Additionally, it is important to prioritize environmentally friendly raw materials and minimize the use of chemicals or materials that emit harmful gases.
- Use of renewable energy and reduction of fossil fuel consumption
Manufacturers need to gradually replace equipment using coal, DO oil, and FO oil with solutions such as solar power, biomass, biogas, and wind power. Installing rooftop solar power systems at factories not only reduces electricity bills but also cuts down on indirect emissions (Scope 2).
- Compliance with laws and transparency in environmental information
Businesses should report regularly on environmental matters in accordance with the Environmental Protection Law (2020), particularly the section on air emission inventory. They must transparently disclose emission data in sustainability reports and on the company website to enhance credibility and community responsibility. In addition, manufacturing units must update environmental impact assessments (EIAs), discharge permits, and comply with environmental commitments.
- Training and building a green production culture internally
Companies can encourage energy-saving initiatives and emission reduction efforts from employees. Training technical staff, managers, and workers on emission reduction processes and how to identify air pollution risks at the workplace is essential. Establishing internal environmental criteria (ESG – Environment, Social, Governance) helps assess and promote responsibility within each department.
In light of the current air pollution status, the coordinated implementation of measures at both the national and local levels, along with active citizen participation, is key to improving air quality. Let’s join hands to protect our living environment.
