Smog engulfs large parts of China

Heavy smog has enveloped a large swathe of East and Central China in recent days, affecting land, air and sea transportation. The thick haze has shrouded the northern and central provinces of Hebei and Henan, making them among the most polluted areas in the country.

The heavy industrial city of Shijiazhuang, the capital of Hebei Province, has been engulfed by thick smog for more than a week.

The city's air quality index as readings for PM2.5 reached 500 on Friday, the highest possible reading.

Air quality readings below 50 are considered good, and anything above of 300 is considered hazardous.

Residents have been forced to wear masks when venturing outside.

Local resident of Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, said, "The air smells like medicine, and sometimes like disinfectant."

Local authorities say the smog is undoubtedly related to the air pollution caused by industrial waste and auto emissions.

Officials have warned residents to avoid outdoor physical activities.

The haze has also blanketed many areas of central China's Henan province.

Monitoring data shows the air quality in the provincial capital Zhengzhou has been hazardous since January 6th.

Fan Xiangge, engineer of Zhengzhou Environmental Protection Center, said, "Auto emissions, waste gas and dust are the main pollutants in the air."

Local authorities say current weather conditions are preventing the pollution from dispersing, with the recent rise in temperatures and humidity.

The elderly, children and those suffering from respiratory and cardiovascular diseases have been advised to stay indoors to reduce their exposure to the polluted air.

Forecasters say the smog in those cities will continue for a few days.