Pollution and China: what does this mean for your health?

Expats arriving in China for the first time will often be struck by the poor air quality. Thick smog blankets most major cities for the majority of the year. Controversy over air quality measurements abounds and foreigners idly debate how many “cigarette equivalents” today’s air equals.

A little perspective: air quality is quite poor in many Chinese cities, but this has been a byproduct of rapid economic growth wherever it has occurred in the world. For comparison’s sake, think of London in the 1950s, or Los Angeles or Houston in the 1960s and 1970s. Also bear in mind that air quality is steadily improving in China’s most populous coastal cities as they advance to a post-industrial economy driven by largely non-polluting services sector growth. Furthermore, China is among the world leaders in advancing sustainable energy, including solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.

Still air pollution is a serious health menace. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that poor outdoor air quality is responsible for 1.3 million deaths annually, and that indoor pollutants cause more than 2 million deaths annually, mostly from infant and child pneumonia.

When reading air quality reports, you’ll see the term “PM,” which stands for “particulate matter.” According to the WHO, PM can include particles including sulfates, ammonia, dust, carbon and even water. You might hear about PM2.5, which refers to the number of particles less than 2.5 micrograms. These tiny fragments are particularly dangerous as they can easily become lodged in your lungs and respiratory tract. In China, PM2.5 numbers will vary from different sources in the same city; this is due to measuring devices being located in different
parts of the city, where levels of particulate matter can vary widely.

Around the world, poor air quality has been correlated with increased levels of asthma and other respiratory ailments. Also worth noting is that air pollution is not just limited to the outdoors. Indoor contaminants such as asbestos, carbon monoxide, radon, indoor heating and fires, as well as chemical emissions from typical  household products can also be a health risk. However, there are measures available to minimize damage to your health from air pollution.

First, avoid strenuous outdoor activity on days when air quality is particularly poor. Local authorities as well as several embassies and consulates give daily reports on air quality. You may use these as a guide. But put simply, if you look outside and can’t see the house next door because of smog, it’s probably not a good day for a jog!

Secondly, many households invest in air filtering devices to purify the air indoors. These can be quite expensive, so be sure to do your homework and get the air filter which best suits the needs of your household. Bear in mind that air filters and related devices are worthless unless the filters are changed regularly, so keep track of filter replacements!

Conduct an audit of the heating devices and chemicals in your household; there are several firms in major cities  that can test not only for outdoor contaminants, but also various types of indoor chemical pollution. Mold can be a  silent killer, particular in humid areas. Dust mites and pet dander can also cause respiratory irritation.

Third, diet plays a key role in how your body responds to external air pollution. Food and drinks rich in antioxidants are strongly recommended in order to remove toxins and free radicals from your body. Traditional  Chinese Medicine recommends drinking tea to help reduce the impact of polluted air.

Fourth, regular visits to the countryside or overseas to areas with higher air quality are recommended, if possible. This is especially important for families with small children whose respiratory systems may be more sensitive.

Finally, regular check-ups from your trusted physician are advised to ensure that your respiratory system continues to function regularly. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

A word on face masks – while these are a common sight in polluted Asian cities, there are serious doubts as to  whether these protect the wearer from the effects of air pollution. In fact, many doctors caution that face masks  produce a negative health effect, by trapping warm air (which is attractive to germs) close to the mouth and  mucous membranes of the nose.

Poor air quality is a menace, and a major issue in many parts of China. But by taking a few simple steps, you can seriously minimize negative effects on your family’s health.