Blue skies grace Beijing after days of toxic smog

Thursday, December 3, 2015, 10:10 AM - Beijing welcomes clear skies again after a cold front helped usher in strong winds, dispersing deadly smog that smothered the city for days.

The haze started last Friday, worsening over the weekend as world leaders met in Paris for the U.N. conference on climate change.

Beijing officials were forced to issue a rare orange pollution alert, the second highest in its four-tier system and the highest level of smog alert this year. The last time an orange alert was issued for the city was in February 2014.

However, on Wednesday the U.S. Embassy's air quality index for Beijing was 21, which was far less from Monday and Tuesday's outrageous ratings that hit higher than 500.

Residents of China took to social media to share photos of the blue skies.

The previous orange alert prompted schools to suspend any outdoor activities and residents were warned to remain indoors. Several commuters were seen wearing masks to help protect from pollutants in the air.

Although Beijing's air has been generally cleaner than last year, an early November snowfall and colder than normal temperatures lead to an early start to winter heating.

Reports indicate the increased use of coal for heating has been the main factor behind soaring levels of fine particular matter.

Internet users turned to black humour and satire to respond to the air pollution. While some drew outlines of iconic buildings on photos that were consumed by the haze, one artist hit the city's streets with a vacuum and after 100 days, created a brick from the collection of dust.

While Beijing's smog has been a topic of discussion during the Paris Climate Summit, Dehli has also reached hazardous air pollution levels during their winter months. 

Breathing masks have become part of the everyday wardrobe in India. In fact, the international company Vogmask is set to launch a limited edition of designer masks this month, created by Indian designer Manish Arora.

The masks will be available in several sizes for adults and children. Customers will have five designs to choose from, each with colourful and geometric prints. They range in price between Rs 1800 and 2800 ($36 and $56 CAD).

According to the company, the masks filter out PM 2.5 particles, dust, germs, pollen and other airborne contaminants.

Delhi is the world's most polluted city, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) survey conducted last year. Meanwhile, a 2015 WHO report shows 13 of the world's 20 most polluted cities are Indian, including Ahmedabad, Patna and Raipur.

--With files from Andrea Bagley

Source: Mashable | Vogamask