Pollution: Beijing's Levels 'Beyond Hazardous'

By Mark Stone, China Correspondent in Beijing

Pollution in China's capital Beijing has reached levels well beyond those considered hazardous to human health.

According to an unofficial air quality monitor on the roof of the American Embassy in Beijing, the Air Quality Index on Saturday afternoon hit 732. Any figure above 300 is considered "hazardous".

It is hard to see more than about 150 metres on Beijing's streets; the skyscrapers which dominate parts of the city are barely visible.

The pollution is so bad that it is possible to smell the air and even taste it. Residents are being urged to remain indoors but few appear to be listening to the advice.

An air quality map reveals Beijing's score of 732. Data: China Air Quality

Beijingers are used to severe pollution but not usually on quite such a level. It is not clear why it should be so bad this weekend.

Fumes from the ever-increasing number of vehicles on the city's streets contribute, but the factories surrounding the city also cause significant pollution. 

Beijing is flanked on two sides by mountains. The air is dry, cold and hangs over the city. If there is no wind, all the factors combine to create the smog.

China's government says it is trying to tackle the problem. It is aware that it does nothing for the country's image.

The Chinese last year asked the American Embassy not to publish the figures from its monitor. The Americans refused, insisting that the information was for the benefit of its personnel.

The Chinese publish their own figures for the same air.

Today, at the time the US monitor was recording a figure of 736, the official Chinese figure was 500 - still well beyond the hazardous level.

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