CHINA-POLLUTION Heavy smog chokes Beijing in APEC's wake

Record ID: 217062

  • Title: CHINA-POLLUTION Heavy smog chokes Beijing in APEC's wake
  • Date: 20th November 2014
  • Summary: BEIJING, CHINA (NOVEMBER 20, 2014) (REUTERS) TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF LANDMARK BUILDINGS IN SMOG CHINA'S STATE TELEVISION CCTV BUILDING IN SMOG TRAFFIC BUILDINGS IN SMOG VARIOUS OF VEHICLES ON STREET FLAGS FLYING IN SMOG VARIOUS OF PEOPLE WALKING ON STREET (SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) 26-YEAR-OLD LI FEI SAYING: "I feel like that air quality was indeed pretty good in Beijing during th
  • Embargoed: 5th December 2014 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: China
  • Country: China
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVAE8QYLFCKBCC8BQQ9546WAQ0Q
  • Story Text: Beijing residents awake to heavy smog on Thursday (November 20), a week after the city government lifted air pollution control measures put in place during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to make sure of blue skies.
    Beijing has been hit by a new wave of smog since Wednesday (November 19), prompting weather forecasters to issue an alert as levels of pollutant reached what the city environment authorities term "hazardous" and advise residents to take protective measures and spend less time outdoors.
    Data from the U.S. embassy showed levels of PM2.5 particles. Those measuring less than 2.5 micrometers across and the most noxious form of air pollution still hovered above 300 at 12 p.m. (0400 GMT).
    The World Health Organisation recommends a daily PM2.5 level of 20 and says that levels greater than 300 are a serious health hazard.
    To ensure clean air during the prestigious Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, China said it would thin traffic and close hundreds of factories within a 200-km (124-mile) radius of the capital between November 1 and 12. It also announced a six-day public holiday for most city residents.
    Some residents expressed their frustration over the difference of air quality during APEC and after.
    "I feel like that air quality was indeed pretty good in Beijing during the APEC meeting while we also had a holiday. But the smog has worsened after the closure of the meeting and lifting of odd-and-even license plate traffic restrictions. I was in a hurry this morning so I did not wear a face mask. (Pollution) has caused big trouble for commuting residents," said 26-year-old Li Fei.
    "I feel it's not very convenient for us to commute. We have to wear face masks when we go out because of air pollution. (It's not convenient for) those colleagues of mine who wear glasses, there would be mist on the glasses if they wear face masks. Besides, air pollution has easily caused many of my colleagues to have coughs and colds. Respiratory diseases will increase," said 36-year-old engineer Chen Jing.
    Severe pollution in Beijing has made it "barely suitable" for living, according to an official report published earlier this year, and despite numerous measures aimed at improving air quality in recent years, Beijing still regularly suffers from choking smog.
    Beijing's environment authority said the smog was expected to ease on Thursday night.
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