The air pollution in northern China has reached a high-risk level, covering several of its cities in heavy – and even hazardous – smog. Visibility has remained less than 500 metres in Beijing since yesterday morning, and in some parts of Hebei Province it is at 200 metres, according to Hong Kong-based Apple Daily. Big cities, including Beijing and Tianjin, have issued air quality alerts, warning residents about health risks as the air may contain harmful organic compounds.
This worsening situation has prompted the Australian government to issue travel advice about China. “The high levels of air pollution in industrialised areas in China, including in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou may aggravate bronchial, sinus or asthma conditions,” the government website states.
The Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs, meanwhile, has updated its travel advice, suggesting people who visiting Beijing or Tianjin for business reduce chances of exposure to the cities' outside air and “consult physicians prior to traveling if you suffer from respiratory problems”.
The Hong Kong Travel Health Centre also states that travellers should avoid strenuous exercise and wear N95 medical masks when going outdoors in Beijing. The municipal government of the Chinese capital has issued air pollution alerts via television, internet and social media, advising residents to stay indoors as much as possible. The government also recommends residents to wear protective masks when going outdoors is inevitable, and to take public transportation rather than private cars, in order to reduce gas emissions and thus further burdening the air quality.
Nino Lin
