VIENTIANE, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Air pollution is affecting cities across Laos, with PM 2.5 fine particles reaching unhealthy levels, according to a report from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on Friday.
The air quality index in Lao capital Vientiane reached a very unhealthy level, with PM 2.5 concentration hitting 152 micrograms per cubic meter, exceeding the safety threshold of 50 micrograms per cubic meter, said the report.
The provinces of Vientiane, Bolikhamxay, and Attapeu witnessed an unhealthy level of the PM 2.5 concentration exceeding 96 micrograms per cubic meter.
PM 2.5, the fine particulate matter that causes smog, is an air pollutant containing tiny particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers.
PM 2.5 can lodge in the lungs and enter blood vessels, leading to respiratory and cardiovascular disease. ■
