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REGION: Asia-Pacific
TOPIC: Health
Online NewsHour
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Posted: August 6, 2008

Air Pollution in China

Kenneth Rahn Atmospheric chemist Kenneth Rahn regularly travels to China to consult with scientists there about the country's air pollution problem. Rahn took your questions about pollution in Beijing during the run-up to the Olympic Games.
QUESTIONS
Have recent Chinese government efforts to reduce the pollution been effective?
How does pollution in Beijing compare to metropolitan areas in the United States?
How does air quality in Beijing compare to previous Olympic locations?
Are pollution problems less serious in other Chinese cities?
What is the chemical makeup of pollution in Beijing?
Is there any way to find out pollution levels in a localized way?
Do the Chinese have a realistic chance of cleaning up the pollution in Beijing?
Will China's efforts to curb pollution affect air quality in the United States?
What about the three southern cities mentioned in the NewsHour story?
Do you see this as a public education opportunity?
What are the long-term effects on the Chinese population?
Does pollution stay in the lungs or get flushed out over time?


As the 2008 Olympic Games approach, Chinese officials have issued emergency orders pulling cars off the road and temporarily shutting down factories in an attempt to reduce Beijing's notorious air pollution. But on Monday -- four days before opening ceremonies are set to begin -- smog levels shot up again after a relatively clear weekend.

Atmospheric chemist Kenneth Rahn, an emeritus professor at the Center for Atmospheric Chemistry Studies at the University of Rhode Island, regularly travels to China to work with Chinese scientists studying air pollution. Rahn answered your questions about air pollution in China and Chinese officials' attempts to combat it.

Transcript: Beijing's Pollution a Contentious Foe for Olympic Athletes


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