Posts Tagged ‘air pollution’

Breathing Easier? New Stricter Air Pollution Standards for Beijing

Thursday, January 12th, 2012 by

In response to international criticism, with much of it coming from the United States, the Chinese government announced on Friday that it would initiate stricter air pollution standards for Beijing by the end of the month.  Residents of Beijing, foreigners and natives alike, have long complained that the Chinese government routinely understates the severity of the problem, with many relying on the United States embassy’s official figures instead. 

Under the more “U.S. like” standards, Beijing officials will begin reporting on the level of tiny floating particles — 2.5 micrometers in diameter or less, known as PM 2.5 — that doctors warn can more easily settle in the lungs and cause respiratory problems and other illnesses.  As we reported earlier, China has only reported on the levels of much larger particles—10 micrometers or more. 

Liu Xianshu, the director of the city’s equivalent of the Environmental Protection Agency, said that they would start reporting the readings of the PM 2.5 at the start of the Chinese New Year, which falls on January 23rd.  This appears to be a reversal from a statement last month made by Environment Minister Zhou Shengxian that the government agency would not begin using stricter standards until 2016. 

HTH Worldwide, sponsor of Healthy Travel Blog, processes dozens of allergy and respiratory related claims from travelers to Beijing, many of whom had no prior history of either type of illness.  Ear, nose and throat specialists in Beijing appear to do a very brisk business removing nasal polyps and expanding sinus cavities of those afflicted with conditions aggravated by heavy pollutants, while pulmonologists are quite busy taking care of asthmatics and those with chronic lung disease who struggle with frequent exacerbations.  HTH consultants in China routinely advise those with severe seasonal allergies and lung conditions to have adequate medications for their trip to Beijing.

Photo by egorgrebnev.

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Travel Bulletin Tehran: City shuts down for two-day “air pollution holiday”

Thursday, December 2nd, 2010 by

Authorities in Tehran have declared the second government holiday in a month due to deadly air pollution.  All schools, public offices, and banks will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday December 2nd and 3rd because conditions have been determined to be “polluted and unhealthy.”  Children, the ill and the elderly have been urged to remain indoors, and all sports and other outdoor activities have been cancelled.  The air in Tehran is some of the most polluted in the world, largely due to the growing traffic congestion and the geographical location of the city.

The city of Tehran is rapidly growing, and there are a high number of cars on the roads.  The level of pollutants is well above the standard set by the World Health Organization.  According to the Tehran mayor’s office, the 1.4 million vehicles in the city pump an estimated 5 million tons of carbon dioxide into the air each year.  Many of the cars are old which increases the amount of pollution being emitted.  In addition, the city is located between mountains which trap the pollution when there is no wind or rain to clear it. 

Health experts say that many Iranians suffer serious health problems as a result of the pollution. Iran’s Health Ministry reported that there has been a 30% increase in admission of patients suffering from breathing problems in the past few days.  It is estimated that thousands of deaths a year are caused by heart attacks and respiratory illnesses brought on by this pollution.

In the long-term, Iranian officials are working to try to reduce the pollution by expanding public transportation, enforcing more strict traffic laws, and requiring vehicle emission inspections.  Authorities are also working to convert heating systems to natural gas. In the short run, breathing in Tehran can be dangerous.

Photo by Hulivili.

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Urban Air Around the World: An Overview

Monday, April 5th, 2010 by

If we apply the air quality standard for particulates adopted by the European Union (20 micrograms per cubic meter), urban air pollution is nearly ubiquitous around the world. Of course, air pollution levels vary widely. In some parts of the world, air pollution might go unnoticed.  In other places, people can be seen wearing face masks.  As travelers, we need to know what we are getting into.

We’ve been digging into data compiled by the World Health Organization for nearly 140 countries, looking specifically at particulate levels in cities with a population of at least 100,000. This widely used measure of air pollution—called PM10 — counts both unnatural and natural particles less than 10 micrograms in diameter. We’re talking about things that are suspended in the air (both liquids and solids) and are less than 1/7th of a strand of hair in diameter.

Why keep track of particles of this size?  The reason is that the smaller a particle is, the deeper it can settle in a person’s lungs.  And the deeper it gets, the more damage it can do.

And a lot of damage is being done.  Of the countries surveyed, only twelve met the EU air quality standard (see Table 1).  The U.S. tied for seventeenth with Denmark and South Africa with a relatively clean score of 24.  But in many countries around the world, the average urban particulate levels are two, three or four times higher.  We put together Table 2 to highlight some frequently visited countries whose levels are a multiple of the U.S. reading.  Short visits to urban areas of these countries could cause moderate to severe discomfort or a dangerous flare up of chronic respiratory problems.  Long-term stays or relocations portend serious health risks.

We’ll expand our discussion in the coming days. Have you had breathing distress in a destination? How did you manage?

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