Pollution masks given to outdoor workers

NGOs distribute protective gear as people urged to stay indoors

Though Beijing has been shrouded in smog containing dangerously high levels of pollutants for several days, prompting authorities to urge the public to stay indoors, some people are hitting the streets to help those in need.

As the stench of coal and automobile exhaust hangs in the air, NGOs are preparing to hand out masks to people who work outside, including street cleaners, traffic wardens and doormen, in cities including Beijing and Tianjin and in Hunan province.

"People working outdoors are vulnerable when they are exposed to pollution, which has soared past dangerous level, with no protective measures," said Feng Yongfeng, an organizer of Green Beagle, an environmental protection NGO in the capital.

"It's urgent that people who work in the heavy smog are well protected, because the air quality has been worsening since Friday."

Environmental protection NGO Greenpeace has about 300 masks and is recruiting volunteers to help deliver them to people exposed to pollution.

Thick fog and haze have shrouded central and northern parts of the country since Friday, and meteorologists said the bad weather is expected to continue until midweek.

Greenpeace said it intends to start distributing the masks on Monday.

"Handing out masks is more to raise public awareness of protecting yourself against the haze, especially street cleaners and security guards," said Wang Jue, a spokeswoman for the organization.

She said they will distribute more masks if the demand increases.

Greenpeace has prepared booklets and brochures on the hazards of PM2.5 — particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns — and protection against haze, Wang said.

"People should be informed of how to minimize pollution hazards," she said.

Wang Haijun, a sanitation worker in Chaoyang district, said he wears a mask provided by his company every day.