Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


                    Smog in China Reaches 'Hazardous' Level

   by VOA News

   Beijing and other parts of China experienced some of the worst smog of
   the year Monday, even as President Xi Jinping was preparing to meet
   with other world leaders in Paris to decide what do to about climate
   change.

   The air quality in the Chinese capital was considered hazardous,
   reaching an orange-level pollution alert - the second highest
   designation.

   Residents were told to stay indoors if possible.  Some industrial
   plants were closed, while certain types of vehicles were banned from
   the roads.

   "In the past the air was so clear, you could see the clouds, so clear,
   but nowadays when can you see a clear sky or white clouds? Never. The
   air is truly horrible," said Wang Shujun, a local resident.

   The concentration of airborne particles that can harm the lungs reached
   20 times what the World Health Organizations considers the limit for
   daily exposure.

   Visibility in the capital made the day look dreary with the tops of
   tall buildings barely visible from the ground.
     __________________________________________________________________

   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/smog-in-china-reaches-hazardous-level
   /3080190.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/smog-in-china-reaches-hazardous-level/3080190.html