Public health priority as pollution chokes capital

The toxic haze that continues to choke the capital may last until January 16, according to Weather China.

After two days of heavy pollution resulting in increased cases of pulmonary disease and flight delays, the Beijing Meteorological Bureau finally issued a high-level alert on the morning of January 13.

PM2.5, small particles (particulate matter) less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, reached over 900 micrograms per cubic meter at some monitor stations the night before, according to the Beijing News.

Safe levels of PM2.5 density should not exceed 25 micrograms per cubic meter within 24 hours, according to Air Quality Guidelines set by the World Health Organization.

Beijing is not alone in suffering from heavy pollution. The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached dangerous levels in 33 out of 74 monitored cities across the country as of January 13, according to the People's Daily.

Chinese media suggested the government and citizens not only work together towards long-term environmental solutions, but also work out practical emergency plans to address more immediate issues.

Since reducing pollution is a long-term process, our priority is public health, according to the Beijing News.

"The government should launch emergency plans and facilitate its implementation with sound regulations and effective supervision. Meanwhile, citizens should choose public transportation instead of driving private cars," the paper said.

"Air pollution is a kind of 'disaster' that everyone has a duty to fight against," the article concluded.

Wang Jinnan, Chief Engineer at the Chinese Academy for Environmental Planning, said in a People's Daily interview that PM2.5 reduction is no easy task because there is no single pollution source.

"The difficulty of reducing PM2.5 density is that it consists of many different kinds of pollutants. Since air pollution is regional, preventing and controlling air pollution will take a collective effort," he explained.

The Beijing Times argued that since there is no single source for pollution, cities must adopt a green-minded approach toward development. 

"There is no single department that can reduce PM2.5 density. It requires effort from all aspects of society. Air conditions can be improved as long as cities are environmentally-minded in their construction methods, development and everyday life," the paper commented.

The Xi'an Evening News suggested that companies allow for flexible hours and accommodate working from home when possible in such extreme pollution cases.

"Since we can't put an immediate stop to heavy air pollution, it's necessary to make adjustments in working hours and locations for employees. Working at home can reduce the time people stay outside and can lessen pollution caused by traffic. The government should support this by establishing related regulations," said the paper.