Air Pollution in Beijing

Air Pollution in Beijing

1. Causes

   • increase of automobile exhaust emissions
   • daily energy consumption such as the consumption of coal, gas, electricity, natural gas
   • agricultural land being occupied by industries
   • air pollutant from industrial emissions

2. What is air pollution?

   • Release of particulates, harmful gases, or biological molecules into the Earth's atmoshpere.

3. Consequences and effects of air pollution

   • Health effects
     • respiratory diseases
     • lung cancer
     • cardiovascular diseases
     • cerebrovascular diseases
     • leads to shorter lifespans for Beijing residents
     • considerable risk factor for respiratory morbidity and cardio-pulmonary mortality
     • asthma
   • Environmental effects
     • Degradation of natural resources or built environment
     • Inexorably linked with climate change
   • Endanger the health and welfare of current and future generations

4. Air pollution and sustainability

   • Air quality is a fundamental aspect of sustainability as living things continue to breathe

5. What can be done to reduce air pollution?

   • reduce coal consumption
   • reduce fossil fuels consumption
   • reduce energy use
   • walk, bike, carpool
   • avoid burning wood or trash
   • avoid smoking indoors

6. How can residents protect themselves from air pollution?

   • avoid exercising near high-traffic areas
   • avoid exercising outdoors when pollution levels are high
   • wear protective face masks when outdoors (anti-pollution masks)
   • use indoor air purifier
   • check daily air pollution forecast in local area

7. Who is affected the most by air pollution?

   • females are more vulnerable to adverse affects of air pollution than males
   • elderly people, especially those older than 65 years of age
   • people with lower education level (illiterate or primary school)
   • asthmatics