Fog day afternoon can’t mask grim reality

By Niall O Murchadha Source:Global Times Published: 2013-1-14 21:23:01

 

Illustration: Peter C. Espina
Illustration: Peter C. Espina



Long-term residence in Beijing will allow you to dream up a wonderful array of euphemisms and rationalizations when approaching the vexing topic of air quality. Sometimes the haze in one's mind matches the air, but receiving an e-mail from one's sister from the other side of the planet with a link to a news article about hazardous air does tend to dispel any illusions.

Many people go by air quality measurements, whereas I have a less scientific method. It involves a friend's west-facing apartment on Chaoyang Lu near the CBD.

On a clear day, you can see the majestic mountains. Such a sight fills me with joy at their beauty, followed by a feeling of rage that they are contributing to the creation of the fog that shrouds this city.

On a clear night, my friend's apartment is afforded a picturesque view of the China Central Television Tower and its surrounding buildings. On Saturday night, I was greeted not by the twinkling lights but by my own reflection, the vast nothingness stretching outwards, the dim twinkle of streetlights below the only sign I was in an urban environment.

"Fog" seems to be the word that is bandied about to describe the phenomenon. I have a somewhat different perception of what might or might not constitute "fog."

Certainly, fog in my native Ireland could be considered a health hazard. I have driven in fear of my life through fog, and I have been wandering close to cliff tops during heavy fog, activities that are not associated with prolonged life spans.

However, just standing about in fog and breathing its moist air is never something one associates with health issues. For that matter, I'm pretty sure I've never smelt burnt coal during foggy periods at home.

Fog warnings on weather forecasts mention levels of visibility, not air quality. Perhaps the choking cloud of smog affecting us here could be called "Beijing fog."

Fortunately for me, this spike came at the weekend, so I spent my time at home, with the air conditioner on to try and filter whatever was floating around outside. While far flung coal-burning power stations might be a factor, it is quite sad that motorists of the city make minimal connection between the toxic air and the vehicles they drive.

Obviously the need to be seen in one's car is an important part of 21st century Chinese culture, but when the air around you isn't good enough to stand in, perhaps it's time to reevaluate the personal vehicle and its relationship to face.

Coincidentally, I was speaking to another friend this week about the mask he brought back to Beijing from the UK to aid his cycling.

He is not the only foreigner I know who uses such a mask for cycling, but this is the first time I've contemplated getting one just for walking about the city. Then again, maybe it would be wiser to go all out and just get a hazmat suit.



Posted in: Twocents-Opinion

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