Vietnamese capital to install more air monitoring stations

Vietnam's capital Hanoi plans to install an additional 70 air monitoring stations to help battle air pollution, local media reported on Wednesday.

Hanoi has already installed and operated 10 air monitoring stations with French funds, but they do not entirely reflect the real air quality in the city, Vietnam News Agency reported.

Slow implementation of investment projects for environmental protection, together with low public awareness of environmental protection and underdeveloped production technology, have affected the environment's quality, according to Hanoi's authorities.

In addition, rapid urbanization and massive construction activities across the city, together with increasing number of vehicles, have also contributed to air pollution.

Monitoring results show that many areas in Hanoi have a high level of air pollution, such as Ha Dong, Hoang Mai, Cau Giay and Tu Liem districts.

Results from air monitoring stations show that the concentration of benzene at areas where these stations are located are 1.2-2.5 times higher than the permissible level.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)