Beijing's Air Pollution: A Us Citizen's Perspective

Beijing's air pollution has been a cause for concern for US citizens, with the US Embassy in the city monitoring and publicly disclosing air quality data since 2008. This initiative has prompted China to strengthen its standards for monitoring and improving air quality. Real-time air pollution data is now available for Beijing and over 100 other countries through various platforms and applications, such as the World Air Quality Index and ZephAir. These sources provide information on fine particulate matter (PM2.5), respirable particulate matter (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3) levels. Beijing's air pollution has received international attention, with a woman photographed wearing a mask to protect herself from heavy smog in 2018. US citizens can stay informed and take necessary precautions when travelling to or residing in Beijing through resources like the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

US Embassy Beijing's air quality monitoring

In 2008, the US Embassy in Beijing began regularly tweeting about the air quality in the city, which was set to host the Olympic Games. The embassy published current pollution levels twice a day, measured by an air quality monitor installed on its roof in collaboration with the US Environmental Protection Agency. This data contradicted the figures published by the local government, angering officials and eventually pressuring China to clean up the air in its capital.

The US Embassy Beijing Air Quality Monitor shares real-time data on air pollution levels, which can be accessed via an API URL. The data includes measurements of PM2.5 (fine particulate matter), PM10 (respirable particulate matter), NO2 (nitrogen dioxide), SO2 (sulfur dioxide), CO (carbon monoxide), O3 (ozone), and weather information.

The Beijing US Embassy Air Quality plugin can be downloaded from the Chrome store or Firefox store. It is also available for Windows Mobile 8 or 8.1 via the Microsoft application store. For Symbian devices, the Beijing US Embassy Air Quality Widget can be installed by downloading the ".wgz" file and using Nokia Suite.

The US Embassy's air quality monitoring efforts have had several benefits and impacts. They provided valuable information for US citizens and Beijing residents to protect their health and make daily decisions. The data also contributed to advancements in air-quality science and inspired similar efforts in other countries, such as India and Mongolia. Additionally, the program became an example of successful diplomacy, boosting American soft power and bringing about positive changes in China's environmental policies.

Beijing's air pollution levels

Beijing's air quality is influenced by various factors, including industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and sandstorms from the surrounding desert regions. The levels of air pollution can vary significantly from day to day, depending on weather conditions and emission control measures. It is important for US citizens to stay updated on the air quality levels, especially if they have respiratory or cardiovascular conditions that may be exacerbated by poor air quality.

The air pollution levels in Beijing are often measured by the Air Quality Index (AQI), which provides a numerical value to indicate the level of pollution in the air. The AQI takes into account several pollutants, including PM2.5 (fine particulate matter), PM10 (respirable particulate matter), NO2 (nitrogen dioxide), SO2 (sulfur dioxide), CO (carbon monoxide), and O3 (ozone). Each of these pollutants has its own health impacts and thresholds for safe exposure levels.

On April 28, 2025, Beijing's overall air quality index was recorded as 68. The individual pollutant levels on that day were as follows: PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) AQI of 68, PM10 AQI of 58, NO2 AQI of 15, SO2 AQI of 5, O3 AQI of 27, and CO AQI of 6. These levels indicate that the air quality was generally acceptable, but sensitive groups may have experienced minor to moderate symptoms with long-term exposure.

It is recommended that US citizens in Beijing regularly check reliable sources, such as the U.S. Embassy's air quality monitor, to stay informed about the current air pollution levels. Additionally, seeking advice from healthcare professionals, such as Beijing Doctor Richard Saint Cyr MD, can provide valuable guidance on protecting one's health in the context of Beijing's air pollution. Taking appropriate precautions, such as limiting outdoor activities during high pollution levels and using air purifiers indoors, can help mitigate the potential health impacts of air pollution.

Health advice for US citizens in Beijing

Beijing has hot, humid summers and cold, dry winters. The city's air pollution has been described as "severe" and is a leading cause of death. The air is filled with gases such as carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter.

Before your trip:

• Consult country-specific information on China from the US Department of State.
• Visit your doctor to get accurate up-to-date travel advice, including health considerations and medicine specific to Beijing.
• Get any recommended or required vaccinations for China, such as typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella).
• Make sure your medical insurance covers emergency evacuations, hospital admissions, and basic outpatient visits.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety and security alerts and other local updates while in Beijing.
• Pack essential items such as insect repellent, a parka or windbreaker, a traveller's diarrhoea kit, and a backpack to carry your belongings.

During your trip:

• Stay informed about the air quality in Beijing through real-time data sources, such as the Beijing US Embassy Air Quality plugin or the ZephAir mobile application.
• Protect yourself from air pollution by wearing masks and avoiding outdoor activities during periods of high air pollution.
• Follow a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.
• Be cautious when travelling on foot or by vehicle, following local traffic rules and choosing safe and official modes of transportation.
• Practice food safety by avoiding raw or undercooked foods, especially fish and meat.
• Use insect repellent and check for ticks after outdoor activities to prevent insect-borne diseases such as dengue and leishmaniasis.
• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and take precautions during hot or cold temperatures.
• In case of an emergency, dial 999 for an ambulance, 119 for the fire department, and 110 for the police in Beijing.

Beijing's air quality data sources

US citizens can access Beijing's air quality data from multiple sources. The Beijing Environmental Protection Monitoring Center (北京市环境保护监测中心) (bjmemc.com.cn) provides real-time air pollution data for over 100 countries. This data can be accessed programmatically using the API URL: aqicn.org/data-platform/api/H1451. The World Air Quality Index project also provides real-time air quality data for Beijing through its website and mobile app. The US Embassy in Beijing also publishes real-time air quality data, which can be accessed through the Chrome web store or by downloading the ".crx" plugin file.

Additionally, there are several other sources that provide air quality data for Beijing. One source is the China National Urban Air Quality Real-time Publishing Platform, which provides data on PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, and weather conditions. The U.S. Consulate in Shanghai and Guangzhou also monitors air quality data, as does the Chengdu Environmental Protection Agency. The Citizen Weather Observer Program via cwop.waqi.info provides modified Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service Information, and the base map and data are sourced from OpenStreetMap.

The data set includes hourly air pollutant data from 12 nationally controlled air-quality monitoring sites, and the meteorological data in each air-quality site are matched with the nearest weather station from the China Meteorological Administration. This data set was introduced by Zhang et al. in "Cautionary Tales on Air-Quality Improvement in Beijing" and covers the period from March 1st, 2013, to February 28th, 2017.

It is important to note that air quality data may be unvalidated at the time of publication and may be amended without notice due to quality assurance measures. US citizens can also refer to the Wikipedia Air Quality topic or the airnow guide to learn more about air quality and pollution in Beijing. Beijing Doctor Richard Saint Cyr MD's blog www.myhealthbeijing.com also offers valuable health advice for residents and visitors concerned about the city's air pollution levels.

Beijing's air quality compared to other cities

Beijing has experienced a stage of serious atmospheric pollution, with poor air quality becoming one of the primary impressions that people have of the city. In 1998, Beijing declared war on air pollution, and it appears that the city is winning the battle. The Chinese government has made a concerted effort to improve air quality by encouraging the change from coal to natural gas as a source of power for homes and industry. Beijing has also implemented strict restrictions on coal consumption and measures to close or relocate heavily polluting factories. As a result, between 2013 and 2017, PM2.5 levels were reduced by 33% in at least 74 cities.

However, despite these improvements, Beijing still faces air quality issues. In 2019, Beijing residents experienced "Moderate" levels of pollution for only two months, with the remaining ten months classified as "Unhealthy for Sensitive groups" according to World Health Organization (WHO) standards. The PM2.5 concentration in Beijing also continues to exceed the levels recommended by the WHO, and heavy pollution episodes still occur during autumn and winter.

When compared to other cities, Beijing's air quality shows a similar trend of improvement. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) and the Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau (BEE), Beijing's air quality management programme has evolved over the past quarter century, and the lessons learned can provide a roadmap for other cities tackling air pollution. However, it is important to note that the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region has suffered from more severe air pollution compared to other regions in China.

Overall, while Beijing's air quality has improved significantly over the years, it still has a long way to go to meet national and international standards. The city's efforts to combat air pollution can serve as a model for other cities, particularly in developing countries, facing similar challenges.

Frequently asked questions