Beijing backtracks on pollution data after outcry

[ellisonz]

AFP – 4 hrs ago

Authorities in Beijing said Friday they will start publicising data on the tiny particles that make up much of the city's pollution, after a public outcry over air quality measurements.

The Chinese capital currently bases its air quality information on particles of 10 micrometers or larger, known as PM10, and does not take into account the smaller particulates that experts say are most harmful to human health.

But authorities have come under pressure from the public to change the way they rank air quality after thick smog blanketed Beijing late last year, forcing the cancellation of hundreds of flights and triggering a surge in face mask sales.

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On Friday the Beijing Environmental Bureau said it would start publicising measures based on the smaller particles -- known as PM2.5 -- ahead of the Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, which starts on January 23.

http://news.yahoo.com/beijing-backtracks-pollution-data-outcry-050933901.html

[CreekDog]

1. they should publish both fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM2.5) particulate data

industrial activity and pollution from cars will be reflected more in the PM2.5 data and windblown dust often more seen in the PM10 data. this is why both types of data would be helpful, however PM2.5 is probably the most responsive to the concerns of the public being expressed.

[liberal N proud]

2. It is very difficult to deny the green and orange skys in Beijing

When you can't see the building accross the street. Last time I was there, you could not see the airport terminal from the plane until you were a nearly at the gate and from the window of our hotel nearer the city center, all you could see was a green wall of smog. You couldn't even see the buildings across the street. Didn't know they were there until it rained and cleared the air for a couple of days.

[ellisonz]

3. Can't be good for health...

...gotta love the PRC: everything is wunderbar.