Ho Chi Minh City ranks among world's 10 most polluted cities as air quality hits unhealthy levels Saturday

According to real-time data from air-quality monitor IQAir, the city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 179 as of 10 a.m., placing it firmly in the "unhealthy" category.

Concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) were measured at around 95.8 micrograms per cu.m, nearly four times higher than the safety guideline set by the World Health Organization, e-magazine Moi Truong va Cuoc Song reported.

By late morning, visibility remained poor in many areas as a dense, fog-like haze continued to blanket the skyline. Despite rising temperatures, the pollution layer showed little sign of dispersing, causing discomfort for residents and raising health concerns.

HCMC's AQI dropped to around 80 in the evening, indicating "moderate" level.

IQAir identified PM2.5, ultrafine particles capable of penetrating deep into the lungs, as the primary pollutant. At elevated levels, these particles pose heightened risks to children, older adults and people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

Real-time rankings showed that Ho Chi Minh City repeatedly placed among the world’s top 10 most polluted major cities during the day, with AQI readings higher than those recorded in most global urban centers.

Vietnam is currently grappling with widespread air pollution, as Hanoi has also appeared simultaneously in IQAir’s list of the world’s 10 most polluted cities. Hanoi ranked fifth and HCMC seventh on Saturday morning.

IQAir data indicates that Ho Chi Minh City has experienced repeated pollution spikes throughout 2025, particularly during morning and midday peak hours, when AQI levels surged well beyond safe limits.

Environmental experts attribute the city’s worsening air quality to heavy traffic, continuous construction activity, rapid urban expansion and emissions from residential and industrial sources. Prolonged exposure to high PM2.5 concentrations can damage the lungs, aggravate heart disease and reduce overall life expectancy.

Local authorities and health agencies are advising residents to monitor hourly AQI updates, limit outdoor activities during pollution peaks, wear particulate-filtering masks and consider using indoor air purifiers to reduce health risks.