Air pollution levels in Vietnam the past few weeks have reached alarming levels

Câu hỏi :

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1. Air pollution levels in Vietnam the past few weeks have reached alarming levels, prompting the government to issue advisories asking people to stay indoors and limit outdoor activities. While it is common to see people wearing face masks, the advisory mentioned that masks should be worn along with eye glasses when outside. It further warned that levels of Particular Matter (PM) 2.5, which are harmful when breathed, would remain high. The highest Air Quality Index (AQI) levels were recorded in the capital Hanoi, which recorded an AQI on 272 on September 30, exceeding the unhealthy levels, while Ho Chi Minh City recorded an AQI of 153. On September 27, Hanoi momentarily was recorded as the most polluted city in the world, as per the IQAir AirVisual monitoring app. Residents complained that Landmark 81, the tallest building in Ho Chi Minh City, which is usually clearly visible, was shrouded in haze. Several media outlets also discussed the topic and recorded several pictures of haze shrouding the city. But air pollution is more than just a nuisance. When air quality conditions deteriorate, the government will take action to curb polluting industries and practices. Meanwhile, employers need to take

additional measures to ensure that their operations and staff are not unduly affected.

2. If the issue worsens, recruiters may find it more challenging to source top-level talent, particularly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which typically receive the lion’s share of foreign investment. Human resource managers that treat duty of care seriously may need to educate staff on air pollution risks, provide face masks, and review sick leave and work from home policies for staff that may be at heightened risks of ill during bouts of severe air pollution. While pollution levels in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are not at the levels of China’s capital Beijing and India’s capital Delhi, the health risks are real. The government can be expected to adopt more measures to regulate industries and business practices that contribute to air pollution. In the meantime, the deteriorating air quality in Vietnam’s most developed cities could lead some business leaders to consider shifting to less polluted cities, such as Da Nang or Nha Trang, which are known for their cleaner environments.

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