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Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu province in East China, is heavily polluted. With a population of over six million, Nanjing is located in one of China's most industrialised areas, resulting in significant air quality issues. The city's PM2.5 concentration is currently 1.4 times the World Health Organization's annual guideline value. In 2013, a thick layer of smog blanketed central and southern Jiangsu Province, with Nanjing's Air Quality Index (AQI) registering severely polluted. Various factors contribute to Nanjing's poor air quality, including industrial emissions, automobile exhaust, and coal-powered district heating systems. Efforts are being made to improve air quality, such as the implementation of a dense air quality observation network in collaboration with the University of Helsinki, the University of Nanjing, and the Finnish Meteorological Institute.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Overall Air Quality Index | 72 |
| PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) AQI | 72 |
| PM10 (respirable particulate matter) AQI | 38 |
| NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) AQI | 3 |
| SO2 (sulfur dioxide) AQI | 2 |
| CO (carbon monoxide) AQI | 4 |
| Main Pollutant | O₃ |
| PM2.5 concentration compared to World Health Organization guideline | 1.4 times higher |
| Population | Over 6 million |
| Industrialization | One of China's most industrialized areas |
| Meteorological Research | One of the most important centers in China |
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What You'll Learn
Nanjing's air quality index
Nanjing, China, is a highly industrialised area with over six million inhabitants, and it has been noted to have major problems with air quality. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the PM2.5 concentration in Nanjing is currently 1.4 times higher than the annual guideline value. This means that Nanjing's air quality is a health concern for some, especially those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.
Nanjing's overall air quality index (AQI) is 72, with a PM2.5 AQI of 72, a PM10 AQI of 38, an NO2 AQI of 3, an SO2 AQI of 2, an O3 AQI of n/a, and a CO AQI of 4. The AQI is a measurement of several air pollutants' presence in the air, with higher values indicating greater pollution levels.
The city is taking steps to improve its air quality. In 2017, a collaboration between Vaisala, the University of Helsinki, the University of Nanjing, and the Finnish Meteorological Institute began work on an air quality observation network in Nanjing and the Yangtze River Delta. The project aimed to pilot a groundbreaking air quality pollution monitoring concept and provide information for air pollution research. The results of this project are intended to be used to improve air quality, with relevant information being provided to citizens through mobile applications.
Additionally, China is working to curb its biggest industrial polluters, and the monitoring network may help identify the major offenders. Nanjing's air quality monitoring network also introduces a new concept, including vertical atmospheric profiling using LIDARs and multi-weather sensors for the first time. This technology will help to better understand the chemical and physical processes of air quality formation and dispersion.
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Nanjing's air pollution levels
Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu province in East China, is heavily polluted. The city, which is home to over six million people, is located in one of China's most industrialised areas and has significant air quality issues.
In 2013, a thick layer of smog blanketed central and southern Jiangsu Province, with Nanjing experiencing severe pollution. Officials attributed this episode to a lack of wind, automobile exhaust emissions, and a coal-powered district heating system in northern China. Slow-moving air masses carrying industrial emissions, combined with a lack of cold air flow, contributed to the accumulation of airborne pollutants.
The PM2.5 concentration in Nanjing currently exceeds the World Health Organization's annual guideline value by 1.4 times. This fine particulate matter, along with other pollutants like NO2, SO2, and O3, contributes to the city's poor air quality.
To address this issue, Nanjing has undertaken initiatives to improve air quality. A collaborative project between Vaisala, the University of Helsinki, the University of Nanjing, and the Finnish Meteorological Institute aimed to establish a dense air quality observation network in the city and the Yangtze River Delta from 2017 to 2019. This project introduced a groundbreaking air quality pollution monitoring concept to better understand the chemical and physical processes of air pollution formation and dispersion. The data collected will help identify major industrial polluters and provide citizens with real-time pollution level information.
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Causes of air pollution in Nanjing
Nanjing, China, is a highly industrialized megacity with over six million inhabitants. It is one of the most important centers for meteorological research in the country. The city has been facing significant challenges with air quality due to its industrialization.
One of the main causes of air pollution in Nanjing is the high concentration of particulate matter, specifically PM2.5, which is currently 1.4 times higher than the World Health Organization's annual guideline value. This fine particulate matter can be emitted from various sources, including industrial processes, vehicle emissions, and construction activities.
Weather conditions also play a role in Nanjing's air pollution levels. The mixing layer, where air pollutants are predominantly formed and dispersed, varies in height depending on location, season, time of day, weather, and specific pollutants. A thinner mixing layer results in a higher concentration of pollutants. Certain weather events, like rain, can temporarily improve air quality by washing away pollutants.
Additionally, Nanjing's location in an industrialized area of China likely contributes to the air pollution problem. Emissions from nearby factories and industrial facilities can travel long distances and affect the city's air quality.
To address the issue of poor air quality in Nanjing, accurate data collection is essential. Efforts are being made to implement new air quality monitoring networks, utilizing vertical atmospheric profiling with LIDAR technology and multi-weather sensors. These initiatives aim to provide detailed information on pollution levels to help develop effective solutions and improve air quality in Nanjing and the Yangtze River Delta region.
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Health impacts of Nanjing's air pollution
Nanjing, China, is a highly industrialised area with over six million inhabitants. It is one of the most important centres for meteorological research in the country. The air quality in Nanjing is a significant concern, with PM2.5 concentrations exceeding the World Health Organization's annual guidelines by up to 1.4 times. The city has been chosen as a pilot for a new air quality observation network, which aims to better understand the chemical and physical processes of air pollution formation and dispersion. This network will provide valuable data to address the lethal problem of poor air quality, which has been linked to premature deaths worldwide.
The health impacts of Nanjing's air pollution are extensive. Short-term exposure to high levels of air pollutants can cause respiratory and cardiovascular issues, including aggravated asthma, reduced lung function, and increased risk of heart attacks. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly at risk. Prolonged exposure to air pollution has also been associated with the development of chronic respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disease, and even certain types of cancer.
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is of particular concern due to its ability to penetrate deep into the respiratory system. It can cause inflammation and damage to the lungs, leading to respiratory illnesses and potentially contributing to the development of chronic respiratory diseases, such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2), which are also present in Nanjing's air, can irritate the respiratory system and worsen respiratory conditions.
Additionally, air pollution has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Pregnant individuals in Nanjing may be at an increased risk of experiencing complications such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and developmental issues in their children. Air pollution can also impact cognitive function, with some studies suggesting a link between air pollutant exposure and decreased cognitive performance, as well as an increased risk of neurological disorders.
The health impacts of Nanjing's air pollution underscore the urgency of implementing effective measures to improve air quality. This includes reducing industrial emissions, promoting the use of clean energy sources, and encouraging the adoption of sustainable transportation options. By addressing the sources of air pollution and implementing comprehensive strategies, Nanjing can work towards mitigating the health risks associated with poor air quality and improving the well-being of its residents.
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Initiatives to improve Nanjing's air quality
Nanjing, China, is a highly industrialised megacity with over six million inhabitants. It is one of the country's most important centres for meteorological research, with a long tradition at the University of Nanjing. The city has major problems with air quality, with PM2.5 concentrations currently 1.4 times the World Health Organization's annual guideline value.
- The Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment has implemented policies to strengthen industrial pollution control during the winter months, particularly in response to air quality degradation caused by coal heating in the northern regions. The "Staggered Production Policy" is part of the broader "Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan" initiated in 2013. This policy targets the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei area and surrounding regions, mandating reduced production, suspension, or limitations in heavy pollution industries like steel, petrochemicals, and cement.
- During the Jiangsu Development Summit (JDS) in 2017, temporary emission control measures were effective in improving air quality. These measures included reducing coal combustions, shutting down factories, and partially limiting traffic, which led to a 50-67% decrease in air pollutant emissions from the industry and transportation sectors.
- Vaisala, the University of Helsinki, the University of Nanjing, and the Finnish Meteorological Institute collaborated on a project from 2017 to 2019 to build a dense air quality observation network in Nanjing and the Yangtze River Delta. The project aimed to pilot a groundbreaking air quality pollution monitoring concept and provide information for researching air pollution phenomena. The results are intended to improve air quality by providing citizens with relevant information on pollution levels in their neighbourhoods or daily commutes through mobile applications.
- The Central Environmental Protection Inspectorate initiative involves central government teams conducting intensive, month-long oversight visits to provincial and local governments to increase regulatory stringency and reduce pollution violations.
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Frequently asked questions
Nanjing, China, is heavily populated with over six million inhabitants and is located in one of China's most industrialized areas. It has major problems with air quality, with PM2.5 concentrations 1.4 times the World Health Organization's annual guideline value.
The main sources of pollution in Nanjing are industrial emissions, automobile exhaust, and coal-powered district heating systems in north China.
As of May 22, 2025, Nanjing's overall air quality index was 72, with a PM2.5 AQI of 72 and a PM10 AQI of 38.
Efforts are being made to improve Nanjing's air quality, with the creation of a dense air quality observation network in partnership with the University of Helsinki, the University of Nanjing, and the Finnish Meteorological Institute.
Nanjing is considered heavily polluted compared to other cities in China. In December 2013, a dense wave of smog affected a large portion of central and eastern China, with Nanjing's pollution index reaching the "severely polluted" level.
