China's smog 'could be beaten in 10 years'
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It might take China a decade to tackle its notorious smog problem, said Zhong Nanshan, a deputy of the National People's Congress and a renowned respiratory expert specialising in pandemics.
"Some experts said China might have to spend 30 years to fight the haze, like the lessons of London's Great Smog in 1952, but joint efforts nationwide might cut the time to 10 years," said Zhong at a news conference on Thursday in Beijing.
"A fresh breath of air requires both favourable meteorological conditions and nationwide effort."
According to research by Peking University on the improvement of air conditions during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the shutdown of polluting plants and banning of vehicles with excessive emissions during the Games reduced air pollution by 30 per cent and PM2.5, particulate matter with a diameter smaller than 2.5 microns, by 55 per cent, said Zhong.
Residents' heart rates also decreased while the function of blood platelets improved and blood pressure lowered, he said.
