“Protect Yourself from UV Rays and Hazardous Fine Dust: Essential Tips”

Impact of Fine Dust and UV Rays on Human Health

UV Radiation

UV radiation is present not only on hot sunny days but also at various times of the day, including morning, noon, and afternoon, regardless of whether it is cloudy or rainy. The strongest UV radiation occurs from approximately 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and there are three types of rays: A, B, and C.

• Type A: Can penetrate clouds and air and cause skin aging.
• Type B: Causes sunburn, skin damage, and darkening.
• Type C: Can cause skin cancer, but the ozone layer prevents it from entering the Earth’s atmosphere.

Fine Dust

In highly polluted areas such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, fine dust levels are particularly high, and these levels tend to increase during the hot season. The most dangerous type of fine dust is PM2.5, which has a size equivalent to 1/30 of a hair strand. This fine dust can easily penetrate the body and lead to respiratory and cancer diseases. According to information from Tuoi Tre Newspaper:

• In Hanoi, many people experience difficulty breathing, hazy air, especially in areas with heavy traffic. Pham Van Dong Street, where the elevated road from Mai Dich to Nam Thang Long is being constructed, is covered in smog and houses are engulfed in thick dust.
• In Ho Chi Minh City, although the indicators show some positive signs compared to Hanoi, the fine dust situation is still alarming.

According to experts, short-term air pollution can cause discomfort, difficulty breathing, and chronic silent inflammation. In the long run, it can weaken the immune system, lead to various lung diseases, and negatively affect the health of children.

Ways to Minimize the Impact of Fine Dust and UV Rays in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City

Wear Sun-Protective Clothing

When going outside, it is advisable to wear wide-brimmed hats with brims larger than 2.5 cm, covering at least 2/3 of the face. Using an umbrella and wearing long clothes and pants is also recommended, regardless of the duration of travel.

In addition, it is important to wear dark-colored face masks that provide at least 90% sun protection. Light-colored masks only provide 60% sun protection, while medical masks only protect against dust and do not shield against the harmful effects of the sun and UV rays. A combination of a medical mask inside and a regular mask outside can be used to mitigate the impact of dust and sun on health.

Apply Sunscreen

Sunscreens with SPF protect the skin from sunlight, and the level of protection increases with higher SPF. However, excessively high SPF values can irritate the skin. It is best to choose sunscreens that have a Broad Spectrum component, which shields against both UVA and UVB rays.

Effective application of sunscreen includes:

• Applying sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going outside.
• Reapplying sunscreen every 2-3 hours, especially if you wash your face, hands, and feet.
• Applying sunscreen 30-60 minutes after activities that cause sweating or contact with water.

Monitor Air Quality Through Mobile Apps

The AirVisual app, available for both iOS and Android operating systems, allows users to monitor real-time weather conditions and pollution levels in their areas of interest. The app provides data, forecasts, and alerts about air quality.

Use Air Filtering Devices

To ensure optimal health, especially for children, it is recommended to invest in air filtering devices that remove dust from the air, reducing the negative impact of fine dust particles on the respiratory system. Some options for home use include:

– Air conditioners with dust filtering function: Choose air conditioners with strong filters and advanced antibacterial technologies.

– Air purifiers: These devices effectively filter the air in rooms, typically equipped with pre-filters, HEPA filters, and activated carbon filters. Intermediate filters are particularly efficient in removing dust and bacteria, ensuring clean air inside your home.

In addition to these devices, there are other options available to further enhance air quality.

The current levels of UV rays and fine dust in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are alarming. To prevent harm, it is important to implement the above measures to protect your health.