Millions of people from cities across north-east China are currently struggling with the extreme air pollution caused by coal-burning heating systems.
As winter set in, the air quality index (AQI) reached extremely hazardous levels over the weekend after the heating devices had been switched on for just one week.
Photographs of the region showed extremely thick smog with almost zero visibility. There are even residents wearing gas masks to protect their lungs, reported People’s Daily Online.
The smog was so thick in some places that buildings were rendered invisible.
According to the Liaoning provincial environmental protection bureau, a total of 14 cities in Liaoning hit AQI levels of over 300, which is considered hazardous.
The cities of Anshan, Tieling and Shenyang are all experiencing severe pollution with AQI levels of 500 and above.
The concentration of PM2.5, the fine particulates that pose hazards to human health, reached 1,155 micrograms per cubic metre.
In some places, PM2.5 levels hit 1,400 micrograms per cubic metre, resulting in the environmental protection bureau upgrading its emergency response level to the highest tier on Sunday afternoon.
The situation is so bad, some people have been seeking medical treatment.
Many people in China have expressed their concerns online, saying that governmental attempts to clean up the air would be too little, too late.
