2010 Dec 17 Winter Pollution – Warnings and Health Options
Our favorite doctor blogger Dr Richard likes keeping us on our toes, reminding us to keep tabs on our health while in Beijing. Today he posted a somber blog reminding us just how harmful pollution can be.
Dr Richard’s latest post “Yes, Short-Term Pollution Can Hurt — Here’s Graphic Proof” takes a graphic approach to warning us about the dangers of air pollution. AQI numbers and verbal warnings are all well and good but a simple graph can really drive the message home:
The graph refers to the spike in pollution, and corresponding spike in deaths, that occurred in December 1952 during London’s smog disaster which was a result of heavy coal combustion in and around the city.
Although London’s air at that time was actually much worse than Beijing’s today, the atmosphere in China’s capital is far from healthy. As Dr Richard posted earlier this week, winter is the most polluted time of the year here, and those most at risk are people with heart or respiratory conditions. The graph above, however, should serve as a reminder to everyone to take care of their health while living in Beijing.
And there are plenty of options. We’ve linked to several of Dr Richard’s suggestions from low-cost air purifiers to plants that naturally do the work. Proper masks are something everyone should have, and the N95 is a great option that can be picked up at places like Jenny Lou’s or delivered in bulk via Taobao.
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Low-Cost Pollution Solutions from Dr Richard
The heating finally went on last week and brought with it some “crazy bad” pollution with numbers on the US Embassy air particle index topping 500 – although official Chinese numbers only made it just over 300. Regardless of exact numbers, breathing in Beijing often leaves everyone looking for some premium air, and today go-to Beijing doc-blogger Dr. Richard reminded us that air filters don’t have to cost a fortune.
Plants to Naturally Filter Your Air
It’s important to think about what can be done to improve our health in Beijing, rather than just moan about the toxic environment. Over the weekend our friend and Beijing Kids columnist Dr. Richard blogged some useful tips for living “green” in Beijing. Most usefully, Dr. Richard details three types of plants that are particularly good for naturally filtering the air in your apartment.
Quick Link: Dr Richard on Masks and Air Pollution
Doctor Richard has a post today about a study looking at which masks are most effective at filtering those nasty particulates in the air that can lodge in our lungs.Is Beijing’s Air Making You Fat?
It’s not news that Beijing’s pollution is a health concern. Fine particulates in the air have been linked to heart disease and cancer, but a recent study suggests there may be a link between the smoggy air we’re breathing and increased risk of obesity and diabetes.
Living La Vida Local: China’s Take on Pollution, Clean Water and Helping the Children
How is China handling its pollution changes? How can we create sustainable solutions for clean water in rural villages? Does everyone deserve a chance at education? This week’s events will give us answers to all these dilemmas and more.
The Prof
Re: Winter Pollution – Warnings and Health Options
air quality is not as bad as this article makes out
I have noticed many very clear and sunny days in Beijing this year but I suppose its important to talk China down non stop
admin
Re: Winter Pollution – Warnings and Health Options
^Needs better grasp on reality
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danedwards
Re: Winter Pollution – Warnings and Health Options
No I disagree admin. It wasn't until I read The Prof's comments all over the Beijinger site that I realised the Beijinger is in fact part of the US imperialists master zionist doomsday plan controlled by wealthy right wingers to undermine China's restaurant industry and make the country ripe for exploitation by US fast food chains in alliance with the US military industrial complex.
Still, it's a relief to have everything explained so easily.
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