Schools to be closed for air pollution

China may take a flexible approach to working hours and suspend schools in the worst cases of air pollution, a government circular said on Wednesday.

Reducing air pollution, particularly the heavy smog which frequently smothers large cities, especially in the north, has become a high priority in China.

When the highest warning is issued a wide variety of measures can come into force, including closure of factories, restrictions on vehicle use, dust controls and a ban on outdoor barbecues, according to the circular from the Ministry of Environmental Protection. Large-scale outdoor activities should cease; kindergartens, primary and middle schools should suspend classes; businesses and institutions should adopt flexible working hours.

The smog has impacted on public health and will only get worse in winter, when coal-fired heating begins belching out large quantities of pollutants. The circular brings rigid management to coal burning, polluting industries and motor vehicles while encouraging use of natural gas.

BURNING COAL

Demand for energy rises during winter and fossil fuel is used to heat homes and offices. Increased pollution from nonindustrial consumption is the main cause of smog, said Xie Zhenhua, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

In October, most eastern and central provinces were smog-bound for 10 to 15 days, and some parts of Shanxi and Henan for 20 days, according to China Meteorological Administration. Weak winds and relatively high humidity contributed to the smog.

Beijing is one of the most heavily-polluted cities in winter, with the density of nitrogen oxide perhaps two to three times higher than summer, said Luo Jianhua, from the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce.

According to an action plan unveiled in September, inhalable particulate matter will be cut by at least 10 percent in major cities nationwide by 2017. In Beijing and environs, PM 2.5, a key indicator of air pollution, should fall by about 25 percent from 2012 levels by 2017.