Stock image. Photograph by Brian Jeffery Beggerly
Chinese authorities have issued an orange pollution alert, warning of heavy smog expected to hang over the city for the next three days.
Authorities have faced criticism for the lack of warnings issued with the high levels of pollution in recent days, and as the pollution in the air has caused the Air Quality Index (AQI) to reach a “very unhealthy” level of 250 on Friday, they have issued a rare orange warning.
Orange is the second highest alert in the four-tiered warning system, and advises schools to cancel outdoors activities and sports.
At its current AQI level of 250-300, the US Embassy in China warns of the potential health hazards, saying that such levels cause:
Significant aggravation of heart or lung disease and premature mortality in persons with cardiopulmonary disease and the elderly; significant increase in respiratory effects in general population.
Last weekend the AQI reached over 500 in parts of the city, with similar levels of pollution expected this weekend.
