China faces reality on pollution

Pollution levels in the Chinese capital Beijing have finally dropped from unhealthy levels, allowing flights to resume at a reduced level. The recent smog engulfing the city has lead to a stark reality check, as disturbing health figures are released.

The Global Times, a newspaper owned by the Communist Party’s People’s Daily, has admitted concern after Beijing’s level of pollution measured ‘beyond index’. The US Embassy’s pollution monitor, which measures air pollutants in a 500- point air quality index, was above 500, or ‘beyond index’, at 7pm on December 4th.

Another Chinese daily revealed that lung cancer rates were expected to raise over the next 20-30 years, even though smoking rates remain flat. Before hosting the 2008 Olympics, Beijing imposed sanctions on city pollutants such as cars and construction. However, the restrictions have been eased since the games. The newspapers have reported an increase air purifiers, masks and humidifiers since November.

The pollution figures have been interpreted by the Chinese government as being inaccurate on the basis that it monitors pollutants of 2.5 micrometers in size. The Chinese government has got less severe results by measuring pollutants that are ten micrometers large. 

 Posted by Lauren Steadman