Beijing's Smog Pollution Problem Hits Its First 'Red Alert'

Already well known for its dangerous levels of pollution, Beijing has reached a new level of smog. The city issued its first "red alert" over the smog levels in the city on December 7.

The alert was issued at 6PM local time on Monday. The levels reached in Beijing were, at its worst, more than 256 micrograms per cubic meter, compared to the small 25 micrograms per cubic meter recommended safe level by the World Health Organization. The US Embassy in Beijing also reported that the amount of lethal particle PM 2.5 in the air was 10 times above the recommended limit.

The highest of alerts in the four-tiered system, the red alert forces schools to close and outdoor construction to stop. Cars will also be banned from driving on alternate days depending on the even or odd digits in their license plates.

Even though the current levels are lower than last week's, it is the high levels expected in the next three days that worry the government. BBC, through China CCTV news channel, reported that over the weekend visibility was only 200m (660 feet) in parts of Beijing.  

Beijing has experienced extended smog before, with the PM 2.5 levels as high as 976 micrograms per cubic meter. However, these levels were out in the suburbs. In order for a red alert to be activated, the smog forecast must last longer than 72 hours with PM 2.5 levels at 200 micrograms per cubic meter or more.

Citizens have criticized the authorities for not announcing a red alert during those extended times of smog last week. But, as the International Business Times reports, the government has been reluctant to issue the warning until today because it "would affect people's daily life too much."

The high levels of air pollution are due to the coal-powered industries and heating systems, vehicle emissions, and dust from construction sites. The humidity and stagnant air movement have also magnified their effects.

The health ramifications of the continuous, thick smog are severe. Atmospheric chemist Jos Lelieveld from the Max Planck Institute published a study that estimated 1.4 million people die prematurely each year from the pollution, reported The Washington Post.

At the COP21, the recent global climate change conference in Paris, President Xi Jinping had promised to make a stronger effort on reducing emissions. It will take more than promises to start making lasting permanent reductions in the air pollution.