Shanghai Smog

                   

Over the last three years of living here we have been aware of the pollution problem in Shanghai and China as a whole.  We invested in air filters shortly after moving here and the boys school has an Air Quality Policy which means that they monitor pollution levels and restrict outdoor play and lessons when it hits 200 on the scale.  Therefore, 200, although hideously high, has become our benchmark for high pollution and us Shanghainese are often rather smug that we don't live in Beijing where levels have been know to reach 900!

Over the last three weeks the level has been staying up around 200, people have been complaining of headaches, sore throats and itchy eyes and parents have begun to make noises about the school investing in air filters.  The pollution flag at school has been consistently on orange or red and there has been limited outdoor play.  Then, suddenly, at the beginning of the week the index hit over 300 and the flag went purple.  Everyone was suddenly talking about hazardous levels of particles in the air and everyone began to get masks.  

Towards the end of last week the unthinkable happened, the level shot up to over 400 and looking outside the front door last night it looked like Victorian London and I half expected Jack the Ripper to be stalking around!   Sam and I cranked up the air filters and went to bed expecting more 'normal' levels in the morning.  However, when we woke up it was still over 400 and climbing.  Going to school was surreal and felt like some post- apolyptic world with people in masks and the sun barely visible.  

                               

                               

By lunchtime the pollution had actually increased so much that it was beyond measuring.  The app on Sam's phone wasn't quite sure which smiley face to assign once it had gone over 500.

                                     

Shanghia's famous river line and tall buildings were shadows of their former selves. The air smelt bad and visibility was awful.  Even inside shopping centres there was a fog of bad air.  Not being able to see a horizon felt claustrophobic and all of a sudden, despite having made a happy home in this wonderful city, we were questioning the sense of exposing the boys to such risks.  

The news of the pollution made international headlines and the Chinese government used the state owned media to attempt to save face by putting their own spin on the situation.

SMOG CLOUD SILVER LINING: CHINA STATE'S 'REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL'

In a widely criticised publication by Chinese state media, the government have tried to put a positive spin on their pollution crisis by claiming: 

1. The pollution crisis 'unifies' Chinese people... because it is so widespread

2. It is making China more equal.... because the smog is affecting both rich and poor

3. It raises citizen awareness.... and is a reminder that China is 'the factory of the world

4. Chinese people are better humoured in a crisis... and have already made up 'smog jokes'

5. The population is more educated now... they have improved knowledge of meteorology

Hopefully it was a freak occurrence as no one can remember pollution like this before, however I think we will all be a little less smug about living here compared to Beijing.  And now each morning, as well as checking the weather I check my air quality app too.  

The sky is looking blue again and we can see the sun and the occasional aeroplane. The contrast with last week is incredible.

                                    

                                    

 The levels have dropped significantly but are still hovering between 150 and 200.  High enough to be a concern and to make us consider taking a week away in the South to breathe some clean air.