Beijing issues second red alert for smog

The alert will limit vehicles on roads according to odd-even license plate numbers

Beijing today issued its second-ever red alert for smog as a new bout of air pollution is set to hit the city of over 22 million population from tomorrow, days after the Chinese capital issued its first red alert following warnings from meteorologists.

Much on the expected line, the Beijing municipal heavy pollution emergency response headquarters issued the red alert the most serious level which will last from 7 a.m tomorrow to 12 p.m Tuesday, limiting vehicles on roads according to odd-even license plate numbers.

The regulations also ban fireworks and outdoor barbecue using coal. Parts of north China will see the worst smog so far this year the National Meteorological Centre said yesterday.

The air pollution will be worse than the spell between December 6 and 9, its forecast said. Under this visibility in Beijing and some neighboring regions will be reduced to less than one kilometres.

The density of PM2.5, particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers used to measure air quality, in some of the regions will exceed 500 micrograms per cubic metre.

The World Health Organisation's recommended maximum is 25 micrograms per cubic metre.

Citizens are advised to reduce outdoor activities and kindergartens, primary and middle schools are expected to suspend classes during the alert.

Beijing issued its first ever red alert for air pollution on December 7, since the emergency response system was created in October 2013 after the worst period of air pollution this year when PM 2.5 reached the top of the scale at 500.

Coal burning and car emissions are some of the major sources of air pollution.

In winter, an increase in coal-burning for heating in north China and still weather often exacerbate other forms of pollution and create periods of heavy smog lasting days.