We hope we’re not the first ones to break this to readers, but air pollution in Beijing is unfortunately just a fact of life. Though it does bring a damper on a good day, most of the haze lingers during winter, as household coal burning from neighboring zones, like Hubei, is a major source of pollution.

What’s In It?

The Beijing government has pointed to several sources of air pollution, including but not limited to, car exhaust, coal burning, factory production waste, fireworks (during Chinese New Year), paper burning (during traditional holidays), and cooking waste. The upside is, according to statistical trends, the air pollution should improve with time and further government restrictions.

Dealing With It

Since Beijing pollution is a fact of life, staying indoors unequipped and unguarded will not help to deal with the smog blues, but only make you feel worse. Even once you purchase the equipment to help you physically, keep in mind that there is the potential for mental health troubles due to pollution. Scan the QR code for more information. [QR A]

Other Pollutants

Though air pollution is often the largest concern for most families, don’t forget to check for other indoor pollutants, like lead painting in older buildings, and water vapor from showerheads. Check out more information about these pollutants by scanning the QR code.

This is our checklist for what you need to protect yourself and your family whether inside or outside.

Inside the Home	Out and About
– Air purifiers – Air monitor – Tape for drafts on windows – DIY pollution stopper for door drafts – Plenty of crafts for indoor days – Showerhead filter – Water filter or ordered water	– Mask for adults and children – Portable air quality monitor or – Pollution app and data for phone (see p 32) – List of places with air filtration inside, see p 18 for more information

 

Mask Fit

Other than actual testing in a lab and material of mask, fit is king. The cost of the mask doesn’t matter as much as the fit on the face, so make sure to follow these guidelines.

1: To test the fit around the nose, put on a pair of glasses and see if steam fogs up the lenses.

2: The nose should have a tight fit around the nose bone using a wire or plastic seal.

3: Not all masks are reusable, but some are washable and some need replacement filters. Some masks are not

able to filter out oil-based pollutants, while others are. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

4: Without a seal all the way around the face, the mask is essentially worthless.

5: Some masks have parts and should be regularly cleaned according to manufacture’s guidelines.

Exercise – Don’t Skip It

One way to keep smog blues at bay, but is often overlooked, is exercising indoors even when pollution is heavy. When the smog is heavy, you might not feel like staying fit, but a little bit of exercise will go a long way in helping mind and body. These supplies are easily found on either JD.com, Taobao.com, Decathlon, or other area sports stores. Remember that kids and adults both need appropriate play.

Mats
Weights
Exercise ball
Tents and tunnels
Dance and other workout videos
Expo markers for windows and floor tile
Colored tape for PE type games
Stationary bike set up
Indoor trampoline
Balls and blow up pool

Curious about more?

Scan for a roundup of many different articles covering air and household pollutants. 

 

Photo, “Foggy Penalties”, provided by Tiffany Raab, Year 13, British School of Beijing, Shunyi

 
This article originally appeared on p 38-39 of beijingkids May 2017 Home & Relocation Guide.
Download the digital copy here.

Earlier this year, a study was released that linked air pollution to birth defects as of last week a branch agency of the World Health Organization (WHO) said that air pollution does indeed cause lung cancer via a report on NBC. This is not the first study nor will it be the last that will show of the effects that air pollution has on the human body. Recently, the studies are showing more direct correction between air pollution and ailments. This is what the report highlighted:

What many commuters choking on smog have long suspected has finally been scientifically validated: air pollution causes lung cancer.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer declared on Thursday that air pollution is a carcinogen, alongside known dangers such as asbestos, tobacco and ultraviolet radiation. The decision came after a consultation by an expert panel organized by IARC, the cancer agency of the World Health Organization, which is based in Lyon, France.

"We consider this to be the most important environmental carcinogen, more so than passive smoking," said Kurt Straif, head of the IARC department that evaluates cancer-causing substances.

IARC had previously deemed some of the components in air pollution such as diesel fumes to be carcinogens, but this is the first time it has classified air pollution in its entirety as cancer causing.

The risk to the individual is low, but Straif said the main sources of pollution are widespread, including transportation, power plants, and industrial and agricultural emissions.

Air pollution is a complex mixture that includes gases and particulate matter, and IARC said one of its primary risks is the fine particles that can be deposited deep in the lungs of people.

Read more here

Check the day’s air quality levels by either using the US embassy site or download various recommended apps for both the apple and android users. 

Photo courtesy of Ellie Friedman