Beijing sees better air quality in 2019

Beijing’s air quality improved significantly in 2019 in comparison to previous years, the city’s Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau said on Friday. The average concentration of tiny PM2.5 particles was 42 micrograms per cubic meter (ug/m³) last year, having dropped by 53 percent since 2013.

In 2019, the average annual concentrations of PM10, PM2.5, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide in Beijing were 68 ug/m³, 42 ug/m³, 37 ug/m³ and 4 ug/m³; signifying drops of 85 percent, 53 percent, 37 percent and 34 percent respectively, in comparison with 2013. 

PM10 and nitrogen dioxide levels were within the national requirements, by which air quality is acceptable to most people, these being a maximum measure of 70 ug/m³, 40 ug/m³ respectively. 

Sulfur dioxide levels decreased by the most, falling below the maximum safe level of 60 ug/m³ for three consecutive years. PM2.5 remains major pollutant in Beijing, exceeding the safe threshold of 35 ug/m³ by 20 percent.