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[Source<\/a>]<\/p>\n Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, topped a list of the world’s most polluted cities on Monday.<\/b><\/p>\n Cause of pollution: <\/b>Hanoi<\/span><\/a> is enveloped in <\/span>thick smog<\/span><\/a> caused by high levels of particulates attributed to widespread construction, vehicle emissions, carbon emissions from coal plants and agricultural burning, contributing to its position on Swiss air quality firm IQ-Air’s list. Hanoi’s 8 million registered vehicles contribute to 30% of air particulate <\/span>pollution<\/span><\/a>, while industrial emissions account for another 30%, according to a 2021 World Bank report.<\/span><\/p>\n Negative effects:<\/b> The city\u2019s severe levels of PM2.5 pollutants were <\/span>classified<\/span><\/a> as \u201cvery unhealthy,\u201d exceeding the <\/span>World Health Organization<\/span><\/a>‘s (WHO) annual guideline by <\/span>over 24 times<\/span><\/a>. The WHO highlights that exposure to air pollution or PM2.5 pollutants is associated with severe health conditions, including strokes, heart disease and <\/span>lung cancer<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n Safety measures:<\/b> Due to the serious health risks, healthcare authorities had advised residents of the need to wear <\/span>masks<\/span><\/a> and limit outdoor activities. A recent World Bank report indicates that 40% of Hanoi’s population is exposed to <\/span>air pollution<\/span><\/a> concentrations nearly five times higher than the WHO guidelines.<\/span><\/p>\n Trending on NextShark: Japan breaks ground on world’s first museum for video game art<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThis is damaging for our health,\u201d Duong Kim Oanh, a 58-year-old Hanoi resident, told <\/span>Reuters<\/span><\/a>. \u201cI think Hanoi’s pollution is caused by a large number of personal vehicles and the fine dust from all the construction, plus this cold weather.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Hanoi airport delays:<\/b> Last month, nearly 100 flights to and from Hanoi’s international <\/span>airport<\/span><\/a> faced delays or were redirected to alternative cities due to dense fog blanketing the city, resulting in a surge in air pollution and a significant reduction in visibility.<\/span><\/p>\n Trending on NextShark: Pho restaurant in Portland forced to close after neighbor complained of smell<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Download the NextShark App:<\/strong><\/p>\n