Guangdong has found itself in the throes of an airpocalypse over the past several days.
According to Aqicn.org, an air quality index used around the world, Guangzhou’s PM2.5 air quality, which is particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers, has fluctuated between 93 and 163 over the last two days. Yuck!
Any reading over 100 is deemed unhealthy air for sensitive groups (individuals with respiratory diseases and active children and adults).
Moving father east, Shenzhen has also been experiencing high PM2.5 levels, ranging from 72 to 187 over the same period of time.
Air quality forcast for Friday, November 9. Screengrab via aqicn.org
The index’s air quality forecast is predicting PM2.5 levels in Guangzhou today and tomorrow to remain at an unhealthy level, with this upcoming weekend likely to experience a moderate level of the microscopic pollutant. Shenzhen’s air quality forecast is on par with Guangzhou, with unhealthy levels of PM2.5 over the next two days before dropping to a moderate level in time for the weekend.
While it’s difficult to determine the exact reason for the decline in air quality, vehicle traffic and construction are two major areas that contribute to smog in cities like Guangzhou and Shenzhen.
On October 30, the Guangzhou Environmental Protection Bureau released new measures to combat pollution in the city particularly aimed at construction projects. According to the document, the goal is to simplify the environmental impact assessment process to ensure more companies comply with environmental regulations. New construction projects will now be required to submit an environmental impact analysis before construction can begin.
If you find yourself getting sick of substandard air quality, we recommend checking out our list of recommended facemasks for combating smog.
READ MORE: Beijing Issues Orange Alert for Smog... Again
[Cover image via @我是超级马里奥吖 /Weibo]
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