Recent Poor Air in Beijing Marks the Start of Smog Season
By Justine Lopez
The air quality in Beijing reached very unhealthy levels over the weekend, prompting experts to warn Beijingers to brace for the capital’s annual smog season, which occurs during fall and winter months.
Beijing issued its first yellow alert (the lowest level in the three-tiered system) on Sunday, as the air quality reached “very unhealthy" levels. As of 6pm, the AQI reading was at 229 with the major pollutant being the harmful PM2.5 particulates. According to the official Weather.com.cn, yesterday’s smog marked the beginning of the capital’s pollution season, South China Morning Post reports.
Despite heavy rains on Sunday night – which usually helps clear up the air – the smog is still lingering today.
There is good news, however. A cold snap is expected to roll into the capital tonight and clear up the air.
The air quality in Beijing has also improved compared to recent years. According to officials, PM2.5 levels decreased by 12.5 percent from January to August, compared to the same stretch of time last year. During this period, the average level of PM2.5 has been 63 micrograms per cubic meter, Xinhua reports. Next year, Beijing plans to get this number down to 60 micrograms.
For comparison, levels were at 95.7 micrograms in 2012 and 80.6 micrograms in 2015.
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