Heavy smog rings alarm bells for China

Heavy smog has been engulfing parts of northern China around Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, and Shanxi, ringing alarm bells for the country. Smog, which can cause heart and lung disease, is prevalent in northern China. The problem has been particularly serious this autmn in Beijing, which has issued an orange alert, the second highest. Although the autunm air should be clear and fresh in Beijing, the level of PM 2.5 particulates in parts of the city has reached as high as 400 recently. More people are wearing masks outdoors and talking about how to prevent heavy smog from harming their health.

Heavy smog, which stems from "excessive economic growth", is a constant topic of debate. According to the Beijing Environment Protection Monitoring Center, heavy smog is caused principally by local pollution. It is likely to take a long time to change the current development mode.

Measures have been taken by local authorities to combat the smog. On October 9, 109 companies in Beijing had production restrictions imposed, and 35 were forced to suspend production altogether. Beijing's disease control center advised citizens to stay indoors as much as possible.