Tiny air pollutants kill thousands in China
2012-12-19 10:00
Beijing - Microscopic pollutant particles in the air have
killed some 8 600 people prematurely this year and cost $1bn in economic losses
in four Chinese cities, according to a study by Beijing University and
Greenpeace.
The study of pollutant levels of PM2.5, or particles smaller
than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Xi'an
called for PM2.5 levels to be cut to World Health Organisation guidelines,
which would reduce deaths by over 80%, the China Daily newspaper said on
Wednesday.
PM2.5 particles are known to damage the lungs and
cardiovascular systems, cause lung cancer and other diseases, being small
enough to settle directly in the respiratory system.
China's rapid growth has brought with it serious
environmental problems, from polluted rivers to smog that often shrouds cities.
The government has recently asked major cities to release
readings on PM2.5 levels to the public.
