Introduction of the Smog Problem

Introduction of the smog problem

Since the mid-January of this year, the levels of air pollution in Beijing have been dangerously high, with thick clouds of smog chasing people indoors, disrupting air travel, and affecting the health of millions. Starting from 12th January,2013, it have been especially bad -- at one point the pollution level measured 40 times recommended safety levels. According to the United States Embassy, the air quality index in central Beijing reached 517, which was so high that the rating was labeled as “beyond index” and described as "very unhealthy". The indexes are based primarily on measurements of a potentially deadly particulate matter called PM 2.5.The following two images captured by NASA's Terra satellite showing the air quality in northeastern China on January 14 (smoggy) and January 3 (clear). Figure 1 and 3 shows extensive haze, low clouds, and fog over the region. The brightest areas tend to be clouds or fog, which have a tinge of gray or yellow from the air pollution.

Fig 2 Northeastern China on January 3 (clear)

Fig 2 Northeastern China on January 3 (clear)

Fig 1 Northeastern China on January 14 (smoggy)

Fig 1 Northeastern China on January 14 (smoggy)

Fig 3 A before/after pair of photographs shows the Dongbianmen Gate

Fig 3 A before/after pair of photographs shows the Dongbianmen Gate

Authorities are taking short-term measures to combat the current crisis, shutting down some factories and limiting government auto usage. However, long-term solutions seem distant, as China's use of coal continues to rise, and the government remains slow to acknowledge and address the problems. We will further discuss in the following report.

Types of Pollutants and their Possible Sources

Now there is no standard answer from government, scientists, environmentalist and media to describe the direct causes of the event. It is believed that the high level of air pollution was not caused by any single accident but many...