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The combination of a stagnant weather pattern and a swell of pollution sent the air quality index in Beijing soaring beyond “hazardous” levels.
Readings at the U.S. Embassy reached 568 micrograms per cubic meter of air Thursday afternoon. Anything above 300 is considered “hazardous.”
“The average AQI reading released by the Beijing Environmental Protection Bureau was slightly lower at 430, which is still considered ‘seriously polluted’,” reports the South China Morning Post. “Residents were advised to don face masks and avoid outdoor activities.”
A cold front and increasing winds will disperse the toxic mix of air pollutants by Friday.
This pollution episode is not as severe as one occurring two years ago (in 2013), when the air quality index surged to an astonishing 886 micrograms and travelers reported being able to taste the air.
Readings at the U.S. Embassy reached 568 micrograms per cubic meter of air Thursday afternoon. Anything above 300 is considered “hazardous.”
“The average AQI reading released by the Beijing Environmental Protection Bureau was slightly lower at 430, which is still considered ‘seriously polluted’,” reports the South China Morning Post. “Residents were advised to don face masks and avoid outdoor activities.”
A cold front and increasing winds will disperse the toxic mix of air pollutants by Friday.
This pollution episode is not as severe as one occurring two years ago (in 2013), when the air quality index surged to an astonishing 886 micrograms and travelers reported being able to taste the air.
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