Helena Joyce
Beijing, China, issued its first-ever pollution red alert in 2015, with schools closed and outdoor construction halted. The alert was issued due to high levels of smog, with particulate matter known as PM 2.5 reaching 291 micrograms per cubic meter. Similarly, in 2023, a Code Red Air Quality Alert was issued for the Baltimore City Metro and Annapolis region in Maryland, US, due to air pollution and smoke from wildfires. More recently, in 2025, a Code Red Air Quality Alert was issued for Northern Delaware due to wildfire smoke, urging residents to limit outdoor activities and take precautions to protect their health.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| City | Beijing |
| Country | China |
| Date | 8 December 2015 |
| Reason | Smog |
| Affected Areas | Beijing, Nanjing |
| Actions Taken | Schools closed, outdoor construction halted, limits on car use, some factories stopped operations |
| Air Quality Index (AQI) | 151-200 |
| Precautions | Limit outdoor time, avoid strenuous activity, keep doors and windows closed, wear masks (N95 or KN95) |
| Primary Pollutant | Particulate Matter (PM2.5) |
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What You'll Learn
- Beijing issues its first-ever red alert for pollution
- Schools closed and outdoor construction halted
- Northern Delaware issues a Code Red alert due to wildfire smoke
- Baltimore and Annapolis issue a Code Red alert due to air pollution and wildfire smoke
- Beijing's air quality affected by bordering industrial areas and geography
Beijing issues its first-ever red alert for pollution
On December 7, 2015, Beijing issued its first-ever red alert for pollution, warning that the Chinese capital would be shrouded in heavy smog from Tuesday until Thursday. The city government announced that all outdoor construction work must be halted, and schools were urged to close. The notice, which was issued after days of heavy smog, also placed traffic restrictions on certain types of vehicles in the city of 22.5 million people.
The red alert was the highest possible warning level under China's four-tier alert system, which was adopted two years prior. The alert came as China, the world's worst polluter, participated in talks on carbon emissions in Paris. While the pollution levels during the red alert were not the city's worst, they still reached severely high levels. The US Embassy's air pollution monitor reported that the intensity of tiny particles known as PM 2.5 was at 291 micrograms per cubic meter, far exceeding the World Health Organization's maximum guideline.
The smog in Beijing was worsened by weather conditions and the city's geography. Bordered by industrial areas that generate pollution and mountains that trap it, the city's air quality suffered at the cost of economic growth. Beijing's first red alert meant that half of all cars were ordered to stay off the roads, with odd-numbered license plates allowed one day and even-numbered plates the next. The alert also resulted in the closure of some factories and limited operations in others.
The issuance of the red alert was a significant step in addressing the severe air pollution in Beijing, and it demonstrated the Chinese government's growing concern for the health of its people and the environment. However, critics argued that more needed to be done to reduce air pollution in the long term, such as implementing a nationwide cap on coal consumption, as coal-fired power stations were a significant contributor to the problem.
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Schools closed and outdoor construction halted
In 2015, Beijing, China, issued its first-ever red alert for hazardous pollution, leading to the closure of schools and a halt in outdoor construction. The alert, which represented the highest possible warning level, was prompted by severe air pollution that posed risks to public health. The city took measures to mitigate the pollution, including restricting traffic, limiting car usage to alternate days, and shutting down certain factories and construction sites.
The pollution in Beijing was caused by a combination of industrial activity, vehicle emissions, and unfavourable weather conditions. The smog was exacerbated by the city's geography, with mountains trapping the pollution. As a result of the red alert, some parents had to make alternative childcare arrangements, and small businesses experienced a decrease in customers.
More recently, in November 2024, New Delhi, India, faced severe air pollution, leading to the closure of schools and a halt in construction activities. The air quality deteriorated to levels far above the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended safety limits. The Indian government urged children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory issues or chronic diseases to stay indoors.
The severe pollution in New Delhi was attributed to a mix of fog and smoke, with visibility dropping to around 100 meters. The Delhi Government ordered schools to switch to online classes and implemented bans on key pollution sources, including the entry of trucks carrying non-essential goods and the operation of older diesel vehicles.
The recurring issue of severe pollution in Indian cities during winter has triggered political debates and calls for long-term solutions to address the root causes of pollution.
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Northern Delaware issues a Code Red alert due to wildfire smoke
On June 14, 2025, a Code Red alert was issued in Northern Delaware due to wildfire smoke. The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) announced that the region was experiencing an Air Quality Action Day, with particulate matter in New Castle County reaching levels between 151 and 200 on the Air Quality Index (AQI). This indicates unhealthy air for all populations and not just those with pre-existing health conditions.
The primary pollutant was identified as particle pollution, including fine particles known as PM2.5, which can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream. DNREC advised New Castle County residents to take necessary precautions, including limiting time spent outdoors, especially for children, older adults, and individuals with respiratory or heart conditions. They also recommended avoiding strenuous outdoor activities and keeping doors, windows, and vents closed to reduce exposure.
The Code Red alert in Northern Delaware was a result of smoke from an active wildfire in New Jersey, which affected air quality across the region. The smoke, haze, and ash from the wildfire permeated the Philadelphia region, impacting areas in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. The Delaware DNREC worked swiftly to communicate the situation and provide real-time monitoring of air quality to help residents stay informed and safe.
It is important to note that Code Red alerts are issued when air quality reaches levels that are unhealthy for the general public and can potentially lead to more severe health issues for individuals with pre-existing conditions such as asthma or other lung conditions. During such alerts, it is recommended to wear masks like N95 or KN95 when outdoors, as they provide better protection against fine particles compared to cloth or surgical masks.
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Baltimore and Annapolis issue a Code Red alert due to air pollution and wildfire smoke
On June 7, 2023, a Code Red Air Quality Alert was issued in Baltimore and Annapolis, Maryland, due to poor air quality caused by air pollution and wildfire smoke. The smoke was a result of over 100 wildfires in Canada, particularly Quebec, which produced a dense haze that covered much of Maryland.
The Maryland Department of Health advised residents to follow the Air Quality Action Guide, which included recommendations to limit outdoor activities, wear masks, and be vigilant for breathing problems, especially in children with asthma or lung problems. The elderly and those with respiratory issues were also encouraged to stay indoors and avoid prolonged outdoor exertion. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott urged residents to take precautions, monitor air quality conditions, and safeguard their health. The city coordinated with other agencies to address the situation and provide resources to the community.
The National Weather Service predicted that conditions would worsen on Thursday, with smoke expected to continue until Friday. The smoke was expected to gradually push north and dissipate, with afternoon showers and thunderstorms helping to clear the air. The Code Red Air Quality Alert highlighted the potential for serious health issues, especially for children, the elderly, and those with asthma, heart disease, or other lung diseases.
The wildfire smoke and poor air quality impacted other areas as well, including Washington, D.C., and the northeastern United States, with a Code Orange Air Quality Alert issued in anticipation of unhealthy pollution levels for sensitive groups. The Canadian wildfire season in 2023 has been unprecedented, with more than 8 million acres burned and a significant impact on air quality in the northeastern US.
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Beijing's air quality affected by bordering industrial areas and geography
Beijing issued its first-ever pollution "red alert" in 2015. The alert, the highest possible warning level, led to the closure of schools and a halt on outdoor construction. Some factories were ordered to stop operations, and car use was limited. Beijing's air quality is affected by its bordering industrial areas and geography. The city is bordered by mountains to the north and west, which trap pollution generated by industrial areas to the south and east.
Beijing's air quality has been a concern for many years. In 2003, the Chinese Academy for Environmental Planning determined that air pollution was responsible for 411,000 premature deaths across China. The 2008 Olympic Summer Games in Beijing was a catalyst for new policies to address air pollution, with many factories and industries temporarily shutting down and driving restrictions imposed.
Beijing's air quality is impacted by its topography and proximity to polluting industries. The city's rapid economic growth, population increase, and surge in vehicle use have also put immense pressure on its environment. Vehicle emissions were blamed for about 45% of Beijing's air pollution in 2018. To improve air quality, Beijing has implemented initiatives like Low Emission Zones (LEZs) and reduced coal consumption by shutting down industrial sites and improving heating systems.
The effects of smog in Beijing have been worsened by weather conditions. Air quality typically worsens in spring and summer when temperature and humidity levels rise, and winds carry pollutants from industrialized southern regions. Beijing's geography, surrounded by mountains, traps pollution within the city limits. While Beijing has made efforts to improve air quality, the city's economic growth and environmental well-being must also be considered.
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Frequently asked questions
Northern Delaware issued a Code Red Air Quality Alert due to wildfire smoke.
Baltimore City issued a Code Red Air Quality Alert due to air pollution and smoke from wildfires in Canada.
Beijing.
2015.
A Code Red alert means the Air Quality Index (AQI) is between 151 and 200, indicating unhealthy air for all populations.
