HCMC enjoys good air quality Tuesday

The air quality index (AQI) in Vietnam’s biggest city stayed at an average level of 33, according to the Switzerland-based air quality monitoring facility, IQAir AirVisual.

For the AirVisual’s AQI, the higher index means worse air pollution.

An index of 33 puts HCMC’s air quality at the “good” level, which means the air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.

It measured the average air quality level of the city at 49 on Monday, which was also in the “good” range.

AirVisual said the city’s PM 2.5 concentration as measured on Tuesday stood at 8µg/m³, which is 1.6 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value.

PM2.5 is defined as ambient airborne particulate that measures up to 2.5 microns in size, just a fraction of the width of a human hair. Their microscopic size allows these particles to be absorbed deep into the bloodstream upon inhalation, potentially causing health effects like asthma, lung cancer, and heart disease.

Exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to negative health effects like cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness, and premature mortality.

American site Accuweather puts HCMC’s air quality at “excellent” level on Tuesday with an AQI of 17.

It measures the Tuesday PM2.5 level in the city at 9µg/m³, saying the air quality is ideal for most individuals and recommends people to “enjoy your normal outdoor activities.”

HCMC has entered the dry season, with the highest temperature in the day rising to 34-35 Celsius degrees.