Editor's Note:
Artist Jianguo Xiongdi sucked pollution from the air of Beijing for 100 days, and used the collected deadly particulate matter to make a “smog brick.” The Shenzhen-based artist’s project started on July 24, when he was photographed with a modified vacuum cleaner collecting the particles in a different iconic part of the city each day. He used the dust to make the brick in a factory on Monday, and plans to use it to help make a new building. In 2013, while visiting Beijing, he was shocked by the heavy smog, and came up with the idea for his project to show that smog affects human life, and everyone has a duty to protect our environment.
Jianguo Xiongdi poses with a modified vacuum cleaner in front of the Water Cube on July 30, day 7 of his 100-day project. He said he went out almost every day except for when it rained or snowed. Photo: Courtesy of Jianguo Xiongdi 
Jianguo Xiongdi collects dust, using an industrial vacuum cleaner with a 0.2 micrometer filter, outside Sanlitun Village on day 10. Photo: Courtesy of Jianguo Xiongdi 
Jianguo Xiongdi in front of Tiananmen Square on day 84, when there was heavy smog in Beijing. Photo: Dong Dalu/CFP 
Artist Jianguo Xiongdi in front of Beijing's National Centre for the Performing Arts on day 84. Photo: Dong Dalu/CFP 
Jianguo Xiongdi passes by the Ministry of Environmental Protection after his four-hour walk on the streets on day 84. Photo: Dong Dalu/CFP 
Jianguo Xiongdi works in front of CCTV headquarters building on day 86. Photo: Dong Dalu/CFP 
Jianguo Xiongdi collects air pollution particles near the Beijing National Stadium (Bird’s Nest) on day 87, when heavy smog had smothered Beijing for more than 60 hours. Photo: Dong Dalu/CFP 
Jianguo Xiongdi in front of the Wangjing SOHO buildings on day 98. Photo: Dong Dalu/CFP 
Jianguo Xiongdi holds a new brisk crafted from tiny air pollution particles, which he collected over 100 days, on Monday in a factory in Tangshan, Hebei Province. The brisk will be finished after two days. He plans to use it in construction to help build the nation. Photo: Dong Dalu/CFP
