VIENTIANE, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Living under a haze of smoke and dust, people in Laos are forced to adjust their daily routines to survive as unhealthy levels of air pollution sweep across the country.
According to a report from the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Environment on Thursday, PM 2.5 concentrations reached 150 micrograms per cubic meter in Oudomxay and Attapeu provinces. Meanwhile, the capital recorded levels of 148 micrograms per cubic meter.
Beyond the numbers, the concentration of PM 2.5 can be seen with the naked eye. Panichit, a mother in Vientiane, said a thick white haze has blanketed much of the city in recent days. She noted that the invisible threat of pollution has become a constant presence, reshaping daily life.
She told Xinhua that worsening air pollution has forced her to change her routine with her seven-year-old son, replacing their usual evening outdoor activities with staying indoors.
"Evenings were once the most cherished time of day for me and my son. After finishing work and picking him up from school, we would usually go out to walk the dog or play at the playground," she said.
"Now, when my son asks if we can go outside, I have to say no to protect our health," she added.
She also expressed growing health concerns, noting that she has experienced the harmful effects of PM 2.5 firsthand, including persistent coughing and headaches.
Kelly, a resident of Vientiane, said riding his motorcycle to work was once a simple routine.
"In the past, during the cool season, we would see some haze and think it was normal, part of the weather. But now, even during the hot season, when the sky should be clear, the haze lingers all day. I think it is not normal," he said.
He added that the situation has made him more aware of and concerned about climate change.
In Laos, major sources of air pollution include agricultural burning, forest fires, the burning of household and industrial waste, and vehicle emissions. The Lao government has stepped up efforts to curb pollution while warning the public about the serious health risks linked to PM 2.5.
Kabie, a 19-year-old student, expressed support for government efforts to reduce pollution and stressed that real change requires cooperation from communities, businesses, and individuals.
She said she is concerned about the long-term health impacts of air pollution, particularly on children and the elderly, and urged wider public awareness.
She emphasized that air pollution is not just a local issue, as it crosses borders, and called for global collaboration to protect the air everyone shares. Despite the challenges, she remains hopeful that greater understanding will inspire collective action.
To address seasonal wildfires, which are expected between January and April, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment issued a notice in January, highlighting uncontrolled burning, such as clearing rice fields and burning grass for livestock, as a key contributor to severe pollution.
The notice calls for tighter controls on burning, improved fire detection, and stronger coordination between central and local authorities. It also urges expanded use of fire hotspot monitoring systems, faster response measures, regular impact reporting, and the development of fire-risk maps. ■
