Beijing Pollution Isn't Getting Worse: Report

Good news bad news: Beijing's pollution hasn't gotten worse over the last five years. But it's also not getting any better, according to analysis of a five-year US Embassy data release by The Wall Street Journal.

That average reading of Particulate Matter (PM 2.5) for the total period from when data was first collected and released in 2008 until now is 100. That level is still four to six times higher than levels considered normal by organizations such as the US Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization.

The worst hour during the five-plus year period was 11pm to midnight on Jan 23, 2012, which coincides with that year's Spring Festival celebrations, and especially the accompanying fireworks. PM 2.5 readings spiked to 994. The worst day was Jan 12, 2013, when the 24-hour average reading was 569, the highest day on record so far.

Read the whole story here and see all of the Beijinger's pollution coverage here.

Photo: Tom Arnstein

Comments

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Steven Schwankert wrote:

And yet all of you stay here. Why would anyone live in a place where they believe their health is being damaged, their eyes burn, and their children's health is at risk?

Are we to take it that you don't buy into all that hippy crap which says that the air in Beijing is harmful to your health?

Isn't always as easy to uproot as it might seem...

Doubt wisely; in strange way / To stand inquiring right is not to stray; / To sleep, or run wrong, is. (Donne, Satire III)

And yet all of you stay here. Why would anyone live in a place where they believe their health is being damaged, their eyes burn, and their children's health is at risk?

I'm glad I read this, I feel healthier already. Seems all the foreigners here have a vivid imagination then and Its about time I realize the burning sensation in my eyes is only a vivid part of my imagination.

All information stated by this poster is for informational purposes only. The content should not substitute you seeking psychiatric advice should you have a problem with it.

Hasn't got any worse?!!! What a joke last year was tremendous and has never been like that before. PM 2.5 was 800-900 in Beijing last winter. And one province this winter reached 1000!!