Air pollution in Hebei climbs past lung-busting mark

Two of the most toxic components of smog saw their readings exceed 1,000 on the air quality index in Shijiazhuang in China’s northern Hebei province on Monday, state media reported.

One resident said her lungs felt “extremely uncomfortable” after she went walking outside for just a few minutes.

The amount of PM2.5 and PM10 recorded in Shijiazhuang was greater than 1,000 micrograms per cubic metre at around 1pm, according to Xinhua. Both are types of suspended respirable particles that pose a risk to human health.

The World Health Organisation recommends exposure to PM2.5 be limited to 25 micrograms per cubic metre over 24 hours, and 50 micrograms per cubic metre for PM10.

Air pollution usually worsens in northern China during the winter, as coal is used to heat homes. Beijing issued a red alert for smog on Thursday, its first of the year, and 10 cities in Hebei have followed suit.

Under China’s four-tiered warning system, a red alert will force suspension of factory production and school classes, as well as traffic reduction measures.