Breaking records
Today 27 December 2007 SEPA reports an API of 421 for Beijing; that is the worst day this year. In 2006 we actually had 5 days that were even worse, with API 500, that is the maximum value, the system does not record higher numbers. If we look closer at all monitoring stations in Beijing, we see that this 500 level was reached in many locations today throughout the city. The lucky people in Changping and Miyun stayed under 200.
This morning 10am i took this picture from our window; i estimate the visibility was 250 meters. Amazingly there seems to have been no significant flight delays at the airport, at least not more than usual.
SEPA calls any API above 300 ‘heavily polluted’ and gives this advise: ‘The aged and patients should stay indoors and avoid strength draining; the ordinary should avoid outdoor activities.’ The only reason i went outside today is to buy a new filter cartridge for our air filter. Below picture shows new filter on the right, and old one of left, after 6 months use in Beijing, Lido area. Also bought a new vacuum cleaner with HEPA filter.
January 15th, 2008 at 10:10 am
oh brother, I’ve seen our air filters when being changed. I’m sure glad that stuff was inhaled by the machine rather than me, hubby, and our 2 little ones.