Last October 21, 2013, the North China city of Harbin was covered with thick, choking smog. Harbin is an industrial city with a population of approximately 10 million people. Chinese officials said that the fine particulate matter of PM 2.5 was over 500 micrograms per cubic meter in most of the city and even reached as much as 1,000 in some downtown locations. According to the World Health Organization, a reading of over 300 is already hazardous to one’s health .
The thick smog resulted in the closure on Monday and Tuesday, of 2,000 schools in the kindergarten, primary and middle school levels. Another effect of the severe pollution is the closure of several expressways as vehicles found it difficult to drive through the smog. Cars and buses which were already on the road have to use fog lights or flashing emergency lights. Pedestrians wore face masks to protect themselves but complained of very low visibility.
Air traffic was also affected by the smog. At least 40 international flights have either been cancelled or postponed.
According to meteorologists, the thick smog was a result of the start of the winter heating season which is supported by the use of coal-powered plants and the burning of fields at the end of the harvest season. Moreover, they explained that the lack of wind and high humidity contributed to the severe pollution.
Doctors on the other hand, expects a rise in respiratory diseases in the days to come as a result of the phenomenon.
Works Cited
Demick, Barbara. "'Airpocalypse': Severe pollution cripples northeastern China." 22 October 2013. latimes.com. 4 November 2013 <http://www.latimes.com/world/worldnow/la-fg-wn-pollution-northeastern-china-20131022,0,5024464.story#axzz2jgvCjyj2>.
WN.com. "Choking smog paralyzes cities in northeast China." 23 October 2013. article.wn.com. 4 November 2013 <http://article.wn.com/view/2013/10/23/Choking_smog_paralyzes_cities_in_northeast_China/#/related_news>.
