Vientiane: Air quality in Laos has worsened, with PM 2.5 particles reaching hazardous levels, affecting cities across the country, the Lao Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment reported on March 25.

According to Lao News Agency, the air quality index in the northern province of Xayaboury has reached a hazardous level, with PM 2.5 concentration hitting 284 micrograms per cubic meter, exceeding the safety threshold of 50 micrograms per cubic meter. The situation has also impacted the capital city of Vientiane, along with the provinces of Xieng Khuang and Sekong, where PM 2.5 levels have surpassed 260 micrograms per cubic meter, reaching hazardous levels.

PM 2.5 is a significant air pollutant, consisting of tiny particles with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers. Due to their extremely small size, these particles can lodge in the lungs and enter blood vessels, posing health risks such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.