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China pollution: Beijing issues first red smog alert | China pollution: Beijing issues first red smog alert |
(35 minutes later) | |
Schools in Beijing are to close and outdoor construction to stop after the Chinese capital issued its first "red alert" over smog levels. | Schools in Beijing are to close and outdoor construction to stop after the Chinese capital issued its first "red alert" over smog levels. |
The red alert is the highest possible, and has not been used in the city before, the state-run Xinhua news agency says. | The red alert is the highest possible, and has not been used in the city before, the state-run Xinhua news agency says. |
Authorities expect more than three consecutive days of severe smog. | Authorities expect more than three consecutive days of severe smog. |
Cars with odd and even number plates will be banned from driving on alternate days. | Cars with odd and even number plates will be banned from driving on alternate days. |
The order will last from 07:00 local time on Tuesday (23:00 GMT on Monday) until 12:00 on Thursday, when a cold front is expected to arrive and clear the smog. | |
China's CCTV news channel reported at the weekend that some parts of Beijing had visibility of only 200m (660 feet). | China's CCTV news channel reported at the weekend that some parts of Beijing had visibility of only 200m (660 feet). |
The smog film taking China by storm | |
'Air dark from pollution' | |
At 18:00 local time (10:00 GMT) on Monday, the air pollution monitor operated by the US Embassy in Beijing reported that the intensity of the poisonous, tiny particles of PM 2.5 was 10 times above the recommended limit. | At 18:00 local time (10:00 GMT) on Monday, the air pollution monitor operated by the US Embassy in Beijing reported that the intensity of the poisonous, tiny particles of PM 2.5 was 10 times above the recommended limit. |
The level in Beijing reached more than 256 micrograms per cubic metre in some of the worst-affected areas. The World Health Organization considers 25 micrograms per cubic metre to be a safe level. | The level in Beijing reached more than 256 micrograms per cubic metre in some of the worst-affected areas. The World Health Organization considers 25 micrograms per cubic metre to be a safe level. |
Activists said the level hit 1,400 micrograms per cubic metre in the north-east city of Shenyang last month, saying it was the worst seen in China. | |
Last week, activists from Greenpeace had urged the Chinese government to declare a red alert. Another Chinese city, Nanjing, issued a red alert in December 2013. | Last week, activists from Greenpeace had urged the Chinese government to declare a red alert. Another Chinese city, Nanjing, issued a red alert in December 2013. |
On 30 November, Beijing issued an orange alert - the second-highest of the four-tier system adopted in 2013. | |
Coal-powered industries and heating systems, as well as dust from construction sites, all contribute to the smog which has been exacerbated by humidity and a lack of wind. | Coal-powered industries and heating systems, as well as dust from construction sites, all contribute to the smog which has been exacerbated by humidity and a lack of wind. |
Are you in Beijing? Have you been affected by the smog? Let us know about your experiences. Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your stories. | |
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