Air pollution rockets in capital
January 30, 2012, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
Clouds of smoke from Lunar New Year fireworks sent air pollution readings soaring in the more sensitive measurement system Beijing started using a little more than a week ago, reports said yesterday.
Readings of fine particulate matter called PM2.5 reached 1.593 milligrams per cubic meter on the January 22 eve of the holiday - about 100 times worse than the amount considered good for 24-hour exposure, the city's environmental bureau said.
The reading drew wide publicity in local media. The Beijing Youth Daily praised the city government for taking a more critical look at air pollution, while urging residents to consider the environmental effects of setting off fireworks.
Readings moderated under clearer skies in recent days. By noon yesterday, the first workday after the holiday, the level stood at 0.039.
The city began measuring small particles in the air and releasing the readings on January 21, as concern has grown over Beijing's air pollution from all sources. PM2.5 - particles less than 2.5 micrometers in size, or about 1/30th the width of an average human hair - are believed to be the greatest health risk because their smallness means they can lodge deeply in the lungs.
Beijing previously had only given PM10 measurements of coarser particles, which indicated pollution was "light," leading to accusations the extent of the problem was hidden.
The US Embassy since last year has released PM2.5 readings from a device on its rooftop and residents have tested the air in their neighborhoods.
Beijing says its PM2.5 measuring station is about 7 kilometers west of central Tian'anmen Square.
Readings of fine particulate matter called PM2.5 reached 1.593 milligrams per cubic meter on the January 22 eve of the holiday - about 100 times worse than the amount considered good for 24-hour exposure, the city's environmental bureau said.
The reading drew wide publicity in local media. The Beijing Youth Daily praised the city government for taking a more critical look at air pollution, while urging residents to consider the environmental effects of setting off fireworks.
Readings moderated under clearer skies in recent days. By noon yesterday, the first workday after the holiday, the level stood at 0.039.
The city began measuring small particles in the air and releasing the readings on January 21, as concern has grown over Beijing's air pollution from all sources. PM2.5 - particles less than 2.5 micrometers in size, or about 1/30th the width of an average human hair - are believed to be the greatest health risk because their smallness means they can lodge deeply in the lungs.
Beijing previously had only given PM10 measurements of coarser particles, which indicated pollution was "light," leading to accusations the extent of the problem was hidden.
The US Embassy since last year has released PM2.5 readings from a device on its rooftop and residents have tested the air in their neighborhoods.
Beijing says its PM2.5 measuring station is about 7 kilometers west of central Tian'anmen Square.
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