Surviving Beijing: Breathe Easy Tips For Polluted Days

Beijing has long been considered one of the most air-polluted cities globally, with industrial emissions, traffic fumes, and coal consumption contributing to poor air quality. In 2013, air pollution levels were 10 times higher than the World Health Organization's recommended levels, earning Beijing the nickname \Airpocalypse. However, the city has implemented various measures to tackle this issue, including tightening vehicle emission standards, expanding urban rail, and providing cleaner fuels for home use. While Beijing's air pollution remains a concern, with levels exceeding WHO guidelines, significant improvements have been made, and the city has set an example for other metropolises facing similar challenges. This article will explore the strategies Beijing has employed to combat air pollution and offer practical advice for surviving the smog.

Wear a mask on high-pollution days

Beijing's air pollution is notoriously bad, especially during the winter when the state-controlled central heating is on and people are walking and biking less. If you're going to be spending time in the city, it's important to take steps to protect yourself from the harmful effects of air pollution. One way to do this is to wear a mask on high-pollution days.

Wearing a mask can help to filter out harmful airborne particles and reduce your exposure to air pollution. When choosing a mask, look for one that is designed to filter out particulate matter, such as the 3M N95 mask. This type of mask is affordable and can be found at most convenience stores in China. It is important to ensure that your mask fits properly to be effective. The Singapore government, for example, provides guidance on wearing N95 masks. The US Department of Health & Human Services also has resources on this topic.

If you're looking for a more stylish option, the Vogmask™ uses microfiber filtration fabric to provide an N99 rating. This means it can filter out even smaller particles than the N95 mask. Other options include the Totobobo and Respro® Masks, which are suitable for urban sports environments, such as biking in heavy traffic.

While wearing a mask can help reduce your exposure to air pollution, it's also important to avoid outdoor activities on high-pollution days. Check the US Embassy air quality app for alerts and try to limit your time outside, especially if you're engaging in strenuous activities.

Avoid outdoor exercise on high-pollution days

Beijing has been battling air pollution for years, and while the air quality has improved, it is still far worse than in American or European cities. The pollution is especially bad in winter when people walk and bike less, and state-controlled central heating is on.

If you live in Beijing, or are visiting, it is important to avoid outdoor exercise on high-pollution days. The air pollution level, a person's health status, and the length and intensity of the exercise are all factors to consider when deciding whether to exercise outdoors. According to the US EPA, healthy people can exercise during moderate air pollution, but for those who are older or unusually sensitive to air pollution, it is recommended to avoid prolonged and intensive exercise or physical activity when the air quality is moderate or higher. Research has shown that people with pre-existing conditions, such as respiratory or cardiovascular disease, can experience intensified negative impacts of air pollution, even from low-intensity activities like walking.

If you are in Beijing on a high-pollution day, consider doing your cardio or HIIT sessions indoors. Avoid climbing the 1000-step section of the Great Wall if you can't see the top due to smog. You can also download the US Embassy air quality app to monitor the pollution levels.

It is also beneficial to aim for a visit during the fall or spring when the temperature is more pleasant, and there are more nice days.

Use an air quality app to monitor alerts

Beijing's air pollution is notoriously bad, and it is important to take steps to protect your health. One way to do this is by using an air quality app to monitor alerts and take appropriate preventative measures.

There are several apps available that can provide real-time air quality data and alerts for Beijing. One popular option is the China Air Quality Index app, which is available for iPhone and has also recently added support for Apple's iWatch. This app provides information on PM2.5, Ozone, and other pollutant data, and allows users to quickly share air quality information on social media. It can also connect to the Origins Laser Egg Device, which measures indoor PM2.5 levels. Another app to try is Air Matters (previously known as Air-Matters.com), which includes data for several cities around the world, not just in China.

There are also several websites that provide real-time air quality data and maps for Beijing, such as WAQI.info, which is brought to you by the World Air Quality Index Project. This website includes a map with data from over 10,000 stations worldwide and uses the latest US EPA standard for its AQI scale. The Beijing Air Pollution page on aqicn.org is another source of real-time air quality data for Beijing, and also includes information on how to access the data programmatically.

In addition to these apps and websites, it is worth checking if there are any air quality monitoring stations in your area, as these can provide the most localised data. The GAIA air quality monitor, for example, uses laser particle sensors to measure PM2.5 and PM10 particle pollution and is very easy to set up, requiring only a WiFi access point and a USB-compatible power supply. With this monitor, you can instantly access real-time air pollution levels on maps.

By using these air quality apps and tools to monitor alerts, you can stay informed about the air pollution levels in Beijing and take appropriate measures to protect your health.

Avoid indoor smoking

Beijing has a serious air pollution problem, and while the government has implemented measures to tackle this, individuals can also take steps to protect themselves from the harmful effects of poor air quality. One of the most important things you can do to survive Beijing's air pollution is to avoid indoor smoking.

Smoking is prevalent in China, with around 300 million smokers as of 2022, and the country is the world's largest consumer and producer of tobacco. The harmful effects of second-hand smoke are well-documented, and exposure to it can be just as harmful as actively smoking. In fact, research suggests that second-hand smoke contains even more harmful substances than the smoke inhaled by the smoker. This includes numerous diseases and health conditions, such as heart disease, lung and nasal sinus cancer, and respiratory illnesses. Pregnant women, infants, and children are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of second-hand smoke.

To avoid indoor smoking in Beijing, you can take several measures. First, try to increase ventilation in enclosed spaces, as this will help dilute the smoke. You can also use electronic air purifiers to remove some smoke particles from the air. While these measures can help reduce smoke exposure, the only way to completely eliminate second-hand smoke from indoor air is to remove the source. This may involve asking smokers in your household or workplace to smoke outdoors or in designated smoking areas.

In addition to avoiding indoor smoking, you can also take other steps to reduce your exposure to second-hand smoke. When dining out, choose smoke-free restaurants or those with designated smoke-free areas. Socialize in places that are smoke-free, and take advantage of public smoking bans in places like sports venues, government offices, transport stations, schools, and hospitals. These measures will help reduce your exposure to second-hand smoke and improve your overall air quality while living in Beijing.

Visit Beijing in the fall or spring

Beijing's air quality has been improving in recent years, but it's still a good idea to be cautious when visiting. The best times to visit Beijing are spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and pollution is usually lower than in winter.

Spring in Beijing falls between April and May and offers mild temperatures, clear skies, and blooming flowers. This is a great time to explore the city's parks and historical sites. However, be aware that May is a peak travel time in Beijing, especially during the Labor Day holiday from May 1st to 5th, so you may want to plan your trip before or after this holiday to avoid the crowds.

Autumn, from September to October, provides crisp air, comfortable temperatures, and vibrant foliage. This is another excellent season for sightseeing and exploring the city. October is generally a good time to visit, but avoid the first week as it is a week-long national holiday and tourist numbers can be high.

If you're looking for the best value for money, late March or early November can be good choices as they are transition periods with fewer tourists and more reasonable prices. However, keep in mind that Beijing experiences serious sandstorms every 3-6 days in spring, so you may want to check the weather forecast before planning your trip.

Overall, visiting Beijing in the fall or spring can offer a more pleasant experience in terms of temperature and pollution levels. You can enjoy the city's cultural and outdoor activities without the extreme heat or cold, and with lower pollution levels compared to winter.

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