Air Pollution Levels in Northeastern China is 50 Times Higher Than Levels Considered Safe By The World Health Organization As Residents Burn Coal To Keep Warm In Winter
Sunday's air pollution reading in China's northeast region recorded an increase that was 56 times higher than the levels considered safe by the World Health Organization, The Guardian reported Monday.
In Shenyang city, Liaoning province's capital and home to about 8 million residents, PM2.5 levels rose sharply due to heavy use of coal-powered heating systems to keep homes warm for winter. PM 2.5 readings reportedly reached 1,400 micrograms per cubic meter, which is 56 times beyond the safe level specified by the World Health Organization.
PM 2.5 is a dangerous airborne particulate that is said to cause cancer and heart disease.
China's state-run broadcaster CCTV reported that visibility levels went down to as low as 100 meters due to the thick smog blanketing the city.
"The air stings and makes my eyes and throat feel sore when I'm outdoors," a resident of Shenyang said. As a result, residents of the northeastern city are wearing gas masks and preferring to stay indoors as much as possible.
An employee at Liaoning Jinqui Hospital reportedly said that there has been a surge of patients suffering from breathing complaints in the last two days, noting further that the hospital's respiratory department is already packed with patients.
The Associated Press described Sunday's smog as hitting "Doomsday levels".
Greenpeace campaigner Dong Liansai reported that this is the highest PM2.5 level recorded since Chinese authorities began collecting air quality data in 2013, IB Times reported Tuesday.
Although air quality showed a slight improvement on Monday, it was still within hazardous levels.
According to BBC News Tuesday China's environment ministry reported earlier this year that only eight of the country's 74 biggest cities passed basic air quality standards in 2014. Majority of the cities with the worst air quality are located in the northeast region.
China has been trying to clean up its atmosphere for years, but the country's attempt to diminish pollution has been drawn back due to its heavy reliance on coal power for energy and industrial purposes.
