This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7528523.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Lingering pollution worries China Lingering pollution worries China
(10 minutes later)
China has admitted it could introduce further emergency measures to cut air pollution during the Olympic Games.China has admitted it could introduce further emergency measures to cut air pollution during the Olympic Games.
One expert said that could mean taking 90% of Beijing's private cars off the streets at particularly bad times.One expert said that could mean taking 90% of Beijing's private cars off the streets at particularly bad times.
Figures show pollution levels have been relatively high over recent days - on some days thick smog is severely reducing visibility.Figures show pollution levels have been relatively high over recent days - on some days thick smog is severely reducing visibility.
The BBC found one pollutant at the Olympic Village was three times higher than the recommended level on Monday.The BBC found one pollutant at the Olympic Village was three times higher than the recommended level on Monday.
See the results of the BBC's pollution tests
China has already introduced a series of measures to curb air pollution, including taking half the city's cars off the roads.China has already introduced a series of measures to curb air pollution, including taking half the city's cars off the roads.
Polluting factories surrounding Beijing have also been told to close.Polluting factories surrounding Beijing have also been told to close.
But an article in the state-run China Daily gave details of the further, stricter measures that could be introduced.But an article in the state-run China Daily gave details of the further, stricter measures that could be introduced.
"More vehicles could go off the roads, and all construction sites and some more factories in Beijing and its neighbouring areas could be closed temporarily," a front-page article said."More vehicles could go off the roads, and all construction sites and some more factories in Beijing and its neighbouring areas could be closed temporarily," a front-page article said.
This was confirmed by Professor Zhu Tong, of Peking University, who advises the Beijing government about air pollution.This was confirmed by Professor Zhu Tong, of Peking University, who advises the Beijing government about air pollution.
He confirmed that 90% of the city's private cars could be taken off the roads under these stricter controls.He confirmed that 90% of the city's private cars could be taken off the roads under these stricter controls.
Any emergency measures would be introduced 48 hours in advance of very bad pollution, he said.Any emergency measures would be introduced 48 hours in advance of very bad pollution, he said.
"There is a chance... that we cannot meet the air quality standards so stricter measures are needed," said Prof Zhu. Pollution facts and figuresIn pictures: Pollution-watch"There is a chance... that we cannot meet the air quality standards so stricter measures are needed," said Prof Zhu. Pollution facts and figuresIn pictures: Pollution-watch
He maintained that the current measures had reduced pollution, but not by enough to guarantee good air quality every day.He maintained that the current measures had reduced pollution, but not by enough to guarantee good air quality every day.
China promised to clean up its air pollution for this summer's games, but figures show it still does not meet the toughest World Health Organization standards.China promised to clean up its air pollution for this summer's games, but figures show it still does not meet the toughest World Health Organization standards.
Small particles in the air - PM10 - are a particular worry. WHO guidelines say 50 micrograms per cubic metre is the standard to aim for, but Beijing rarely hits that target.Small particles in the air - PM10 - are a particular worry. WHO guidelines say 50 micrograms per cubic metre is the standard to aim for, but Beijing rarely hits that target.
At the Olympic Village on Monday, the BBC found the PM10 level was at least 145, while at the BBC office it was 134.At the Olympic Village on Monday, the BBC found the PM10 level was at least 145, while at the BBC office it was 134.
'Positive legacy''Positive legacy'
Separately on Monday, Greenpeace published its assessment of China's efforts to clean up Beijing for the Olympic Games.Separately on Monday, Greenpeace published its assessment of China's efforts to clean up Beijing for the Olympic Games.
It says, that overall the attempt to get rid of pollution has created a "positive legacy" for the city and should be commended.It says, that overall the attempt to get rid of pollution has created a "positive legacy" for the city and should be commended.
"Greenpeace found that Beijing achieved, and in some cases surpassed, original environmental goals," the report says."Greenpeace found that Beijing achieved, and in some cases surpassed, original environmental goals," the report says.
But it said in other areas, including air quality, Beijing had not met targets, and has had to bring in short-term measures.But it said in other areas, including air quality, Beijing had not met targets, and has had to bring in short-term measures.
"Beijing could have adopted clean production measures more widely across the municipality to speed up the improvement of air quality," the report says."Beijing could have adopted clean production measures more widely across the municipality to speed up the improvement of air quality," the report says.
Return to story