Shanghai Pollution: Its Impact On Children's Health

Shanghai's air pollution is a serious issue that can impact the health of children. In 2013, Shanghai experienced a record level of smog, with air pollution rates between 23 and 31 times higher than international standards. This prompted the government to introduce a Clean Air Policy, implementing measures such as the Shanghai Clean Air Action Plan and stricter air pollution laws. While efforts have been made to improve air quality, Shanghai still faces challenges in reducing pollution from vehicles, factories, construction, and agricultural activities. The effects of air pollution on children's health include respiratory and cardiovascular issues, with studies showing a decrease in life expectancy and an increase in disease cases. With Shanghai's rapid urban development and economic growth, addressing air pollution and its impact on children's health remains a critical concern.

Outdoor exercise and physical activity

The health risks associated with exercising in polluted environments are particularly concerning for children, who are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of air pollution. Studies have shown that children exposed to high levels of air pollution can suffer permanent lung damage and may experience respiratory and cardiovascular issues, increased incidence of asthma, and cognitive development problems.

To mitigate these risks, parents in Shanghai are taking measures such as limiting their children's outdoor activities, making them wear face masks, and choosing schools based on the presence of air filtration systems. Some international schools in Shanghai have even constructed domes over sports fields to ensure healthy breathing during physical activities.

While these steps can help reduce children's exposure to air pollution, they also disrupt their daily routines and social interactions. The situation underscores the need for effective policies and interventions to address air pollution and create safer environments for children's outdoor activities.

Air quality and respiratory health

Air pollution is a serious issue in Shanghai, and it can have significant impacts on the respiratory health of children. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ground-level ozone (O3) are the main pollutants of concern, as they can cause breathing problems, trigger asthma, reduce lung function, and even lead to lung diseases.

Sources of Air Pollution in Shanghai

Shanghai's air pollution is mainly caused by a combination of factors, including coal combustion, motor vehicle emissions, industrial dust, chemical conversion in the atmosphere, and unfavourable meteorological conditions. Vehicle and factory emissions are the biggest contributors, accounting for at least 50% of the city's polluted air. Other sources include dust from construction sites (10.5%), power stations (7.3%), straw burning (10%), and pollutants carried into the city by wind.

Health Effects of Air Pollution

The health effects of air pollution on children can be severe. A study found that a 10 µg/m³ increase in particulate matter (PM10) reduced life expectancy in China by 0.64 years, and that PM2.5 accounted for 1.7 million deaths in China in 2015. High levels of air pollution can cause and exacerbate respiratory problems, trigger asthma, and reduce lung function. It is recommended that active children and adults, as well as people with respiratory diseases such as asthma, limit prolonged outdoor exertion when air pollution levels are high.

Measures to Improve Air Quality

Recognizing the seriousness of the issue, the Shanghai government has implemented various measures to improve air quality. In 2013, they launched the Shanghai Clean Air Action Plan, which aimed to reduce annual average PM2.5 concentration by 20% by 2017. They also introduced the strictest air pollution law in China in 2014, with personal penalties for company bosses and higher fines for companies. Other initiatives include adopting stricter emission standards for vehicles, providing subsidies for renewable energy vehicles, requiring industrial companies to upgrade their facilities, and promoting the use of air purifiers and pollution masks.

Despite these efforts, air pollution in Shanghai still poses health risks, particularly to children and other sensitive groups. It is crucial to continue monitoring air quality, enforcing regulations, and implementing measures to reduce emissions and improve respiratory health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Pollution sources and their relative contributions

Shanghai's air pollution is mainly caused by a combination of factors, including coal combustion, motor vehicles, industrial dust, chemical conversion in the atmosphere, and unfavourable meteorological conditions. These issues are linked to the city's rapid socio-economic development. Here is a detailed breakdown of the sources and their contributions:

• Vehicle and Factory Emissions: According to reports, vehicle and factory emissions are the most significant contributors to Shanghai's air pollution, accounting for at least 50% of the problem. This includes emissions from cars, ships, planes, and industrial plants.
• Dust from Construction Sites: Construction activities contribute about 10.5% of Shanghai's air pollution. This includes dust from demolition and reconstruction sites.
• Power Stations: The burning of fossil fuels, particularly coal, in power stations, is responsible for 7.3% of the city's air pollution.
• Straw Burning: Agricultural practices, such as straw burning, account for about 10% of Shanghai's air pollution.
• Pollutants from Other Provinces: Approximately 20% of the air pollution in Shanghai is attributed to pollutants carried by wind from other provinces.
• Ozone (O3): While not mentioned in the 2014 report, ground-level ozone is an increasing concern. It is formed by the reaction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with sunlight and is especially problematic during the summer months.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs are emitted from industrial facilities and contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone.
• Meteorological Conditions: Unfavourable weather conditions can exacerbate air pollution by trapping pollutants near the surface.

To address these issues, the Shanghai government has implemented various measures, including the Shanghai Clean Air Action Plan, the introduction of strict air pollution laws, the adoption of emission standards for vehicles, the promotion of renewable energy, and the provision of subsidies for green technologies. These efforts have led to a gradual improvement in Shanghai's air quality over the years.

Government policies and interventions

Shanghai, China's largest city, has been facing severe air pollution, with levels of harmful pollutants up to 40 times the recommended exposure limit. The Chinese government has implemented various policies and interventions to address this issue. Here are some key government measures:

• Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan: In 2013, the Chinese government unveiled a US$284.2 billion action plan to tackle air pollution. The plan set targets for reducing PM2.5 levels in different regions, including a 20% reduction goal for Greater Shanghai.
• Blue Sky Action Plan: In 2018, China released its second national air pollution action plan, which set targets for all agglomerations to reduce PM2.5 levels by 18% by 2020, using 2015 as a baseline.
• Master Plan for 2040: The local government of Shanghai released a draft master plan for 2040, aiming to reduce PM2.5 levels to about 20 µg/m3.
• Emission Control Measures: Shanghai has implemented emission control measures for industries, along with steady reductions in coal use and the adoption of cleaner car technologies.
• Clean Air Zones and Traffic Restrictions: Shanghai has established clean air zones around schools, implementing measures such as no-idling zones and 'school streets' to reduce traffic and improve air quality.
• Relocation of Drop-off Points: The city has also relocated drop-off and pick-up points away from school entrances to minimize children's exposure to pollution.
• Siting of New Schools: Shanghai is considering the siting of new schools away from pollution sources and hotspots, ensuring they are within walkable distances from residential areas to reduce the need for motorised transport.
• Green Infrastructure: There is a focus on increasing green infrastructure, such as plants and trees, around schools to filter air pollutants and improve air quality.
• Indoor Air Quality Improvements: Measures are being taken to improve indoor air quality in schools, including the use of low-emission cleaning products, wet cleaning, and the installation of HEPA filters in vacuum cleaners.
• Smoking Bans: Smoking bans and regulations have been implemented to reduce children's exposure to second-hand smoke, with a particular focus on schools and kindergartens.

Comparison with other cities

Shanghai's air pollution is mainly caused by coal combustion, motor vehicles, industrial dust, chemical conversion in the atmosphere in urban centres, and unfavourable meteorological conditions, all of which are linked to rapid socio-economic development.

In comparison to other cities, Shanghai's air quality is worse than Beijing's, with higher concentrations of the pollutant PM2.5, sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2).

Shanghai's air pollution is not as high as in other Chinese cities, but it is substantially polluted when compared to world standards. For example, during the "2013 Eastern China Smog", air pollution rates were recorded as being between 23 and 31 times higher than international standards.

Shanghai's air quality has been improving in recent years, with the local government introducing the country's strictest air pollution law in September 2014. The city has also implemented a "Clean Air Policy", which has helped reduce annual smoke, sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide emissions.

Despite these efforts, Shanghai still has a long way to go to meet international standards for air quality. The city's air pollution is caused by a combination of vehicle and factory emissions, demolition and reconstruction sites, power stations, rural straw-burning, and pollutants carried by the wind.

Overall, while Shanghai's air quality is improving, it still lags behind other cities in terms of meeting international standards, and the local government will need to continue its efforts to reduce air pollution and protect the health of its residents, especially children, who are more vulnerable to the negative effects of air pollution.

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