Air quality in Hue

What are the levels of air pollution in Hue city?

Hue is the capital city of Thua Thien-Hue Province and is located in central Vietnam just a few kilometres inland from the East Sea. It straddles the banks of the Perfume River. With a 2018 population of almost 500,000, it is not a big city. Its main form of income comes from tourism because it is one of only a few places in Vietnam to contain a UNESCO World Heritage Site^1.

According to the reputable website, IQAir.com Hue recorded an average PM2.5 figure of 28.6 µg/m³ in 2019. This is rated as “Moderate” air quality. For 5 months of the year, residents were subjected to these Moderate levels of air pollution. But for another 5, they were subject to poor air quality which is regarded as being “Unhealthy for sensitive groups”. For the remaining months, July recorded a “Good” figure of 11.1 µg/m³, but unfortunately, no figures were made available for January. In the world ranking, it was placed at 480. Hue recorded an average PM2.5 figure of 28.6 µg/m³ in 2019. This is rated as “Moderate” air quality. For 5 months of the year, residents were subjected to these Moderate levels of air pollution. But for another 5, they were subject to poor air quality which is regarded as being “Unhealthy for sensitive groups”. For the remaining months, July recorded a “Good” figure of 11.1 µg/m³, but unfortunately, no figures were made available for January. In the world ranking, it was placed at 480.

The data is collected from several sites which are spread across the city. It was noted that the average concentration during a 24 hour period was usually low and most times fell below the recommended levels as suggested by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Pollutants measured include PM2.5 and PM10 particulates, sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂).

What is being done about the air quality in Hue?

The People's Committee of Hue province requires the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to maintain and strengthen the monitoring of air quality in the province and throughout the city. Their intention is to improve the capacity of provincial automatic environmental monitoring in the period 2020 – 2025. It is also intended to strengthen control of air pollution under the direction of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. One area of concern is the boundary area between Thien Hue and Quang Tri where the installation of automatic and continuous emission monitoring equipment is planned. The inspection and supervision of areas and projects that incinerate waste need to be strengthened too.

Statistics need to be studied in order to assess the current state of hot spots where air pollution occurs due to dust and exhaust gas concentrations. Parameters exceed the threshold of national technical regulations on the environment in the area under management.

The Department of Transport has proposed measures which would use clean fuels and clean energy for motor vehicles, it will also discourage the use of private motor vehicles and to use public transport instead. A project is to be inaugurated which will increase the use of electric cars, electric motorcycles and bicycles in the city of Hue and the municipalities.

A request will be made to the Department of Construction to take responsibility for, and coordinate with relevant units to study and promulgate regulations on environmental protection for construction works. This will include building protection or shielding, water spraying, road washing and vehicle washing before leaving the site; reviewing and re-evaluating the work of planning on trees and water surfaces in urban centres and strengthen the direction, guidance, inspection and evaluation of the management in the construction industry.

Is the air quality in Hue thought to be good?

In October 2019 the Department of Natural Resources and Environment released figures showing that the quality of air in Hue had always shown good results. The monthly average reading of the PM2.5 particles was 27 µg/m³ which was slightly lower than the annual average of 28.6 µg/m³. These figures are thought of as being in the “Moderate” category according to the WHO. Because of these figures, residents feel confident about their environment and tourists have no worries when visiting the World Heritage Sites within the city.

Chemicals such as sulphur dioxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O₃), nitrogen monoxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and nitric oxide (NO_x) are identified and measured as are the microscopic dust particles of PM2.5 and PM10. Altogether making a very comprehensive record.

What are the sources of air pollution in Hue?

Air pollution is a very complex area because of the number of variables. It can be caused by both natural and man-made sources. The main ones being the volume of traffic on the roads, industrialisation and domestic activities. Having such a good quality environment is due to the Hue local government who always maintains and increases the density of trees; limits production activities that generate pollution in the inner city and rationalise the distribution of residential and urban areas. Where possible, industrial production units are situated in a position where their emissions are not going to reduce the quality of air that people breathe every day.

Hue often experiences extreme weather which together with the rapid spread of urbanisation and increased traffic flow, the air quality is at risk of deteriorating unless measures are taken to prevent it. Therefore, specialized agencies, the government, the business community and the people need to cooperate with each other as plans for the future are made. It is necessary to take the most appropriate measures to prevent air quality in Hue from becoming worse. Applying technical measures, improving modern machines and using technology to replace outdated machines which cause air pollution and replace the burning of fossil fuels with sustainable electricity.

As with most cities, the use of electric vehicles is strongly encouraged as a way of reducing emissions within the city. The use of public transport is an ideal way of lowering the number of private vehicles in the city.

What can be done to lower air pollution in Hue?

In 2019 the local authority launched a movement known as "Green Sunday", calling on residents to take action to make Hue greener, cleaner and brighter.

This incorporates many aspects of pollution such as dealing with pollution hot spots, collecting water ferns, clearing bushes and organizing tree planting. The people of Hue have come together to form a united front against all types of pollution such as controlling the garbage problem and recycling plastics and metals wherever possible.

+ Article resources

[1] Centre, UNESCO World Heritage. "Complex of Hué Monuments". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Retrieved 28 November 2020.