Beijing issues red alert for heavy smog

TOKYO, Dec 18 (KUNA) -- Beijing issued a red alert for air pollution on Friday as a new bout of smog is forecast to hit the capital in coming several days, state-run Xinhua News Agency reported.
The red alert, the most serious level, will last from Saturday to Tuesday, limiting vehicles on roads and banning fireworks and outdoor barbecue, the Beijing municipal heavy pollution emergency response headquarters said.
Parts of north China will see the worst smog so far this year from Saturday, the National Meteorological Center said.
The air pollution will be worse than the spell earlier this month, the report said, adding that visibility in Beijing and some neighboring regions will be reduced to less than 1 km. 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 meter. The World Health Organization's recommended maximum is 25 micrograms per cubic meter. Beijing issued its first ever red alert for air pollution on Dec. 7 after the worst period of air pollution this year. (end) mk.gta