Smog levels in Beijing reached to dangerous levels which was about 20 times the limit that was recommended by the World Health Organization. The visibility in the city has been very low since January 10, 2015 and many people were seen wearing masks. Experts have blamed the situation on the car emissions and the construction at various sites.
Several parts of China have experienced severe smog on a regular basis. The intense smog situation in Beijing in January 2014 had forced the government to take essential steps to improve air quality. On January 14, 2015 the government of China said that it would ban the construction of new oil-refining, cement, steel and thermal power plants which begin from March.
The PM 2.5 levels on January 15, 2015 increased to 568 micrograms per cubic meter which is the most hazardous to health. The WHO has recommended a maximum of 25 micrograms per cubic meter in terms of air quality. The Beijing Meteorological Bureau has placed the yellow pollution alert since January 10, 2015 and has marked the highest in the four-tier system.
The Chinese government officials have earlier blamed the farmers burning straw which resulted in smog. Burning straw by the farmers is another traditional practice in China.
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