BREAKING NEWS

Tiny air pollutants kill thousands, cost billions in China

By REUTERS

DECEMBER 19, 2012 06:44

BEIJING - Microscopic pollutant particles in the air have killed some 8,600 people prematurely this year and cost $1 billion in economic losses in four Chinese cities, according to a study by Beijing University and Greenpeace.

The study of pollutant levels of PM2.5, or particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Xi'an called for PM2.5 levels to be cut to World Health Organization guidelines, which would reduce deaths by over 80 percent, the China Daily newspaper said on Wednesday.

PM2.5 particles are known to damage the lungs and cardiovascular systems, cause lung cancer and other diseases, being small enough to settle directly in the respiratory system.

China's rapid growth has brought with it serious environmental problems, from polluted rivers to smog that often shrouds cities.

The government has recently asked major cities to release readings on PM2.5 levels to the public.

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