
Beijingers are once again choking as smog levels hit "heavy or even worse" levels in the Chinese capital and a number of other cities across the country, CNN reported on Tuesday.
The city was under an "orange" smog alert on Monday, which marks the first time the second-highest warning level of a new system introduced last year has been raised.
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Persistent problems with city air have prompted officials and entrepreneurs to consider ways to protect their citizenry from the pollution, the report stated.
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The National Meteorological Centre on Tuesday continued the “orange” smog alert for another 24 hours.
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Officials at the Ministry of Environmental Protection cited "unfavorable meteorological conditions and firework and firecracker spree(s)" as the cause of the heavily polluted air. China's Lunar New Year celebrations, which took place earlier this month, are often accompanied by firework displays, and neighbourhoods resound with the sound of firecrackers, the report added.
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The air pollution index recorded levels of over 400, referring to the number of PM2.5 -- harmful particulates measuring 2.5 microns or larger -- per cubic meter of air.
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The World Health Organisation recommends guideline values of 25 PM2.5 in a 24-hour period, the report pointed out.
The smog is expected to ease towards the end of the week.
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