Report: Heavy smog returns to Beijing

SHANGHAI, Oct 16 (SMM) – Air pollution efforts in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region remained an uphill battle as poor weather conditions, such as high humidity, began on October 12 that prevented the dispersal of pollutants.

Air pollution authorities explained that winds that carried pollutants from other regions worsened the situation compared to last year.  From Tuesday October 16, cold air from the north is expected to help ease the pollution.

Nitric oxide from local vehicles, industrial emissions, and sulphur dioxide from other regions accounted for the high density of PM2.5, tiny particles in the air that reduce visibility and cause the air to appear hazy when levels are elevated. 

On Monday morning, the Air Quality Index for Beijing hit 213 – classified as heavily polluted air on China's six-level air quality indicator.