Smog from China spurs new gov't guidelines on going outside
TOKYO —
The Environment Ministry has announced that it will recommend the public do not venture outside unless necessary on days on which fine particulate air pollution is high.
Particulate air pollution is believed to be coming from China to Japan. The smog has been dubbed PM2.5 in Japan. These particles, which are smaller than 2.5 micrometers in size, tend to penetrate into the lungs and the circulatory system. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicates that PM2.5 leads to high plaque deposits in arteries, causing vascular inflammation and a hardening of the arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems.
Fuji TV reported Tuesday that the Environment Ministry says it is considering recommending people do not go outside unless necessary when the airborne density exceeds 35 micrograms per cubic liter. It will also recommend avoiding the use of ventilation while at home. Separate recommendations are to be drawn up for those with a history of heart and lung problems.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that fine particulate air pollution causes mortality from cardiopulmonary disease, mortality from cancer of the trachea, bronchus, and lung, and mortality from acute respiratory infections in children under 5 years of age. Researchers suggest that even short-term exposure at elevated concentrations could significantly contribute to heart disease.
The ministry claims that there is insufficient data to determine the potential health problems that may be caused by an increase in fine particulate air pollution. However, it has announced plans to call on 130 local governments to set up monitoring stations to aid future research.
Meanwhile, the ministry said its website has been overloaded as worried users log on to try to find out what is coming their way. “Access to our air-pollution monitoring system has been almost impossible since last week, and the telephone here has been constantly ringing because worried people keep asking us about the impact on health,” said an environment ministry official.
Pictures of Beijing and other Chinese cities shrouded in thick, choking smog played out across television screens in Japan last week. News programs have broadcast maps showing a swirl of pollution gathering strength across China and then spreading out over the ocean toward Japan.
Pinks, reds and oranges that denote the highest concentrations form a finger of smog heading toward Kyushu.
Toshihiko Takemura, an associate professor of Kyushu University who runs an air pollution monitoring site, said “the impact of air pollution originating from China on Japan was scientifically discovered more than a decade ago. Especially in Kyushu, the level of air pollution has been detectable in everyday lives since a few years ago.”
Takemura said that people with respiratory diseases, as well as small children, should take extra care to avoid the problems.
Japan Today/AFP
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43 Comments
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4
SirFrancisWinchesterIV
Anyone know any websites that would give daily updates on air quality levels in Tokyo/Yokohama? Haven't been able to find any...
-5
Elbuda Mexicano
Sir, my guess is that the CHINESE Embassy here in Tokyo would be glad to let you know how dirty the air is here in Tokyo, and put a spin on it, like hey, you want cheap products from China, then don't complain about Chinese smog made by all the JAPANESE factories in China, etc...
-1
basroil
This is ridiculous, and will actually do more harm than good, since people will have another reason not to go outside and exercise, which can lead to weight gains that are far worse.
-13
Mark Elrod
NOw, I am not suggesting that we do, but if there were ever a good reason for going to war with another country, this would be it.
I mean, seriously, countries go to war for less important reasons. Representitives from many countries have spoken with Chinese officials about the lack of emissions regulations & pollution, yet Chinese officials do NOTHING about them.
They may not care about their own people, however, when the pollution, from a country that has been requested to regulate its pollution, begins to affect people in surounding countries, then that is a valid reason for going to war. Because what they are doing, or not doing, is affecting the health of people outside of their borders.
0
TheDevilsAssistant
If its that much cause for concern in Japan, then I wonder how bad it really is in China's big cities. I foresee mass death due to respiratory diseases in China in about 20 years. The mass in China should take up smoking to catch a breath of clean, fresh air.
0
noriyosan73
Everyone needs to sign the doc. from Kyoto. That will make life better for everyone. Anyone got a pen made in China? Nobody in Japan has ever experienced the smog like this, and it comes at a high cost to the consumers. The consumers pay the price for a pollution free environment..
4
globalwatcher
1) Hygene and education go together. If the person is highly educated, so goes hygene. Well educated people are generally pretty clean.
2) You can tell a wealth of country by looking at general rest areas how clean they are. I do not see trash on Japanese streets at all.. Japan is pretty clean and doing a great job..
3)You can tell a wealth of country by looking at air and water quality. Japan is doing a great job.
What I am saying here is that China is failing all I listed above. China may be the 2nd largest economy in the world, but they are the most polluted country in the world for sure.
-6
smithinjapan
Define "as necessary", please. I can guarantee it doesn't involve canceling outdoor clubs (ie. free baby-sitting for parents) or any other thing that's not necessary even on holidays. This is simply paranoia. I guarantee we're going to see, if there aren't already, masks that claim to 'Block the Chinese pollution AND hayfever!', just like they had the 'anti-H1N1 masks' and masks for all the other overreactions that people buy into. There's FAR more danger walking down the street I live on with its high walls on the side of the street and trucks, buses, and cars spewing exhaust, but you don't see most people wearing masks.
-1
Disillusioned
Hmmmm? No mention of kids and schools? One would think that would be the main concern, but you can bet that, if there are restrictions put in place they will only be guidelines and they will still have all the school kids outside doing sports.
2
JoeBigs
It's bad here imagine in the land of smog how bad it is there.
The PRC is not only the greatest threat to world peace they are also the greatest threat to world health!
4
Dennis Bauer
I predict a facemask boom!
1
Nessie
Hiding the problem in the closet, literally.
3
Nessie
Globalwatcher, there's something called the Kuznet's curve. As countries get wealthier, they tend to first get dirtier and then finally cleaner.
http://tierneylab.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/04/20/the-richer-is-greener-curve/
The question is whether China will be able to make it to the cleaner part of the curve.
-7
Octagon
JoeBigs
I agree with your post. Most coal burning power stations in PRC are operated by J co-operations. They are not only damaging environment, they are making health hazards for J residents . That greedy J businessmen have to stop using coal power.
-3
cubic
This hysteria is a clever marketing ploy by those mask companies. They must be raking it in now. 2011 and 2012 were "the years of 防災/bousai goods" - now everyone has their rucksack, torch and canned tuna, 2013 is the "year of the mask."
1
jamestoday
According to TV news this morning, some of Korean companies have come to Japan to purchase high end air cleaners. Because Korea is nearer to China than Japan and Korea has been affected by air pollution much more than Japan. They said Korean companies do not have effective machine to prevent PM2.5. China and Korea need Japanese high technology.
2
Jamie Lunel
sanctions.
3
Elbuda Mexicano
China is dirty, ok. Industrial Revolution, England in the 1800s, then the USA, then for so many years, even now, US pollution flying up to CANADIAN lakes, polluting thousands of lakes and rivers, ring any HYPOCRITICAL bells?? Here in Japan, just RECENTLY is the air in the bigger cities getting cleaner but go to Osaka, Kawasaki etc..still quite dirty, ok not as bad as CHINA but this is all part of history. Is is bad?? Sure it is, is it the first time a country has polluted its air, water, etc.. for $$$$$$?? NO!!
-4
FPSRussia
Ridiculous IMO. You won't find not one Japanese company that will listen.
Imagine this folks: Boss, hey Johnny, it pretty smoggy today. We just got an email warning about bad air particles from China. You better take the day off. Stay home with your wife and children. We'll contact you after it blows over.
NOT!
1
globalwatcher
http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/business/2013-02/19/content_16235141.htm
'Smog readings in Beijing nothing to be concerned about dated 2/19/2013
I guess PRC is not on the same page as well as the rest of world.
0
globalwatcher
No. They have to figure that one out by themselves. They only want to be a friend when they need something from Japan.
-1
aidenrock
I think Pinks, reds and oranges that denote the highest concentrations form a finger of smog heading toward Kyushu.
0
edojin
Always something new to worry about. I had been thinking about going to see the Great Wall of China next month, but gave up on that idea due to the scary air pollution there. Now ... and not really a surprise ... it is here. I do a lot of walking outdoors ... and probably won't let this problem worry me ... unless the air becomes like that in Beijing.
No matter what ... I'm still planning on going to Kyushu & Shikoku early this summer ... where I plan to do a lot of walking ... outdoors, of course ...
Just hope the air is fresh once again by that time ...
1
Onniyama
It is quite bad. I can actually notice the difference in air quality on my short walk to and from the station everyday. Can taste it in my mouth. Not going to get any better either. China is just getting started!
-1
basroil
Lets reiterate something that is missing from this (and practically all other) articles by the lack of education in science within the media and governments.
That would be 1000 times the government limit of 35 micrograms per cubic METER. At 35 micrograms per cubic liter, you would be in excess of even OSHA maximum limits for any particulate matter in a hazardous workplace. Asahi actually got this part correct, http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/social_affairs/AJ201302080069
0
PeterNinnes
There is an animated map of pollution from Kyushu University here http://sprintars.riam.kyushu-u.ac.jp/forecast.html
Click on Forecast movies (Asia) --> Pollutant aerosols
0
cramp
ok for today's guide, we have smog blown in from the east, and radiation from the west...
0
Steve Fabricant
I think Pinks, reds and oranges that denote the highest concentrations form a finger of smog heading toward Kyushu*.
>It looks like Okinawa will also be getting the finger this week.
Nasty black particulates... they seem to adhere to certain plastics and paints the most.
I've been in Beijing during "moderate" pollution and my eyes burned all the time. I'm a little bit more optimistic than the rest however because I think China will take significant steps to clean up their act. >
0
JoeBigs
Only a matter of time before the PRC paid posters tried to blame Japan for thir woes.
0
billyshears
and don't forget "yellow sand":
"An analysis of Asian Dust clouds conducted in China in 2001 showed them to contain high concentrations of silicon (24–32%), aluminum (5.9–7.4%), calcium (6.2–12%), and iron, numerous toxic substances were also present, although it is thought that heavier materials (such as poisonous mercury and cadmium from coal burning) settle out of the clouds closer to the origin. However, Sarah O'Hara of the University of Nottingham in England, writing for the Lancet says that this doesn't mean that the effects are worse closer to the source. People (e.g. in Japan) further from the source of the dust are more often exposed to nearly invisible, fine dust particles that they can unknowingly inhale deep into their lungs, as coarse dust is too big to be deeply inhaled. After inhalation, it can cause long term scarring of lung tissue as well as induce cancer and lung disease."
1
billyshears
maybe China is trying to do something about the problem:
"Responding to the recent crisis, Beijing’s city government ordered 103 heavily polluting factories to suspend production and told government departments and state-owned enterprises to reduce their use of cars by a third.
More immediately, on 6 Feb. the Chinese government issued a timetable for its program to upgrade fuel quality, aiming to implement a strict standard nationwide by 2017, upgrading its standard V for automobile petrol, with sulfur content within 10 parts per million before the end of the year.
But the country’s long term solutions will not be inexpensive – reducing the use of coal, forcing cars to use efficient pollution exhaust equipment, and developing mass transit options to reduce the country’s rising love affair with the automobile.
China now has the wealth to implement such solutions –whether the political will is there is quite another matter. Should authorities not act, then they’d better ramp up the country’s health insurance policies, as undoubtedly more and more workers will be reporting sick days."
http://oilprice.com/The-Environment/Global-Warming/Chinas-Smog-Becoming-an-International-Issue.html
0
hikkifan17
I hope China get's in better shape soon. This SMOG is killer. It's all I got to say
0
horrified
I'm glad all this 'anti-China' media blitz (sponsored by the GOJ) has at least brought about something useful: pollution monitoring. Back in the 90's one US military base was complaining that after testing the air they found the smog in Japan was 1,800X the safe level in the USA. It made the newspapers, but the government did nothing about it.
2
Tardistraveler
I've spent time in China on a few occasions backpacking. In the early 2000's I went to Xian. At that time, there was a local pollution warning in place. The smog was so thick, that in the town I could not see the end of the streets. I was there for three days. The feeling of suffocation and claustrophobia caused by breathing in the air was intense. I could not get out of there fast enough. I also had a significant cough for a few weeks after. This type of pollution is not to be scoffed at. It's dangerous. Sure the amounts arriving in Japan are no where near the levels in china, but if there is a warning in your area, it may be a good idea to take heed and wear a mask. It's the particles in the air that are the problem.
Yes, cars emit pm2.5 particles and yes, ideally you should be wearing a mask in big cities like Tokyo anyway. But the levels here are no where near as dangerous as in china.
http://www.chinafile.com/taxi-drivers-china-have-highest-pm25-air-pollutant-exposure
1
sfjp330
Besides the smog, most Chinese don’t know whether their water is safe to drink or not. Most of the rivers and underground water supply were seriously polluted and twenty percent were so polluted their water quality were too toxic even to come into contact with.There are around 10,000 petrochemical plants along the Yangtze and 4000 along the Yellow Rivers and the Yellow and Yangtze are not even the most polluted of China’s seven major rivers. On top of whatever polluted wastewater might be, they just simply dump into China’s rivers from these factories, and also by drilling into underground water supply and turning their heads. There is almost no enforcement to the violators.
-1
Octagon
JoeBigs Feb. 19, 2013 - 09:51PM JST
I did not get any cent for my honest post. You have computer, smart phone and car turbine. They have to made with RareEarth which is extremely dirty for processing. PRC supply 90% of rare earth to multi nationals co-op.
PRC has raped their land, air and water with radio active waste, industrial dump and toxic. Imagine if rare earth is made in Japan, Japan will be dirty, harzadoruous and polluted like PRC too.
Whilst we are enjoying cheap consumer goods, many Chinese workers and near by residents are dying with lung cancer. We have to be grateful for their scarifice.
-2
FPSRussia
@Octagon. Amen! Your post is honest and accurate to the T. It comes at a bad time when the smear campaign is at its zenith. I agree with you. Reality talks everything else walks.
That +1 is from me.
-5
basroil
TardistravelerFeb. 20, 2013 - 06:01AM JST
The biggest source of 2.5 micron and smaller particles isn't cars or china, it's cigarette smoke.
1
billyshears
interesting article here about the beijing smog-japan connection and what china can learn from the way japan has tackled pollution over the years:
http://latitude.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/15/japans-pollution-diet/
Here's a snippet: "Today, Japanese cities are among the world’s least polluted, according to the World Health Organization. Japan’s environmental record is hardly spotless, but the country rightly prides itself on blue skies, Prius taxis and mandatory recycling. What’s more, it managed to clean up without sacrificing growth by investing in pollution-control technologies and giving local governments leeway to tighten standards beyond national requirements."
0
Nessie
As an aside, I was reading in Jared Diamond's "Collapse" that airborne dust can contribute to soil fertility.
-5
basroil
OctagonFeb. 20, 2013 - 09:03AM JST
Rare earth mining itself releases no more PM2.5 particles than any other type of mine.
0
globalwatcher
<http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/epaper/2013-02/19/content_16236264.h
This is a propaganda of China on the smog. A total lie!!
I am already packing a nylon jacket in my suitcase that I plan to wear in Japan. I can shake the particles ( air pollution) off that jacket before entering inside buildings. I have to wash my hair everyday while I will be in Japan. Sad.
0
globalwatcher
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2013-02/24/content_16251836.htm
Smog envelopes China during Lantern Festival dated 2/24/2013
This is really baaad. Look like a hell. Chinese govt is not doing anything for this. That's even worse.
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