Beijing and Delhi often make headlines for air polluted cities, but which city has worse air? I wanted to get some hard numbers on how the two cities’ air quality compare. The Data To do that, I analyzed PM2.5 data from the US Embassies in Delhi and government monitors in Beijing from 2015 to […]
Category: Weather
Is China to blame for Seoul’s air pollution?
Air pollution is a serious problem in Seoul, which South Koreans have often blamed China for. Is that fact or a convenient scapegoat? After all, Seoul is a densely populated, developed city that depends on coal power plants. South Korea certainly has its own sources of pollution. To get to the bottom of it, I […]
Is China to blame for Seoul’s air pollution? – Supplemental Data
This article includes supplemental data for the main article “Is China to blame for Seoul’s air pollution?” This supplemental data will show how high and low wind speeds affect the PM2.5 levels. Ultimately, this supplemental article draws the same conclusion as the main article. Does wind speed affect PM2.5? What if particulate matter can […]
How Bad is the Air Pollution in Seoul?
How bad is the air pollution in Seoul, South Korea? On the one hand, Seoul is a modern, developed place, which means it shouldn’t be that bad. On the other hand, news media have reported several bad smog attacks in the last year. I wanted to get some hard numbers on it, so I analyzed […]
Pollen Season’s Here: How to Breathe Safe
Spring is in full bloom, and that means “April Snow” is at its peak. But what exactly is this white fluff in the air? The white fluff in the air is a combination of pollen and catkin. Most people know what pollen is – a fine powdery substance of microscopic grains discharged from flowers. The […]
Are Japanese Pitta Masks effective for use in China?
It’s allergy season again. Spring is here, and the catkin white fluff is in the air! Lately, I’ve noticed many people wearing these Pitta masks out on the streets of Beijing. They look sleek, but I wondered whether they actually work. After all, data shows that Japan’s air quality is much better than China’s, so it’s possible that they were designed for things other than […]
So You Thought Hong Kong’s Pollution Comes From the Mainland? – Supplemental Data
This article includes supplemental data for the main article “So You Thought Hong Kong’s Pollution Comes From the Mainland?” This supplemental data will show how high and low wind speeds affect the PM2.5 levels. Ultimately, this supplemental article draws the same conclusion as the main article. Does Wind Speed Affect PM2.5? What if particulate […]
So You Thought Hong Kong’s Pollution Comes from Mainland China?
Air pollution is a serious problem in Hong Kong, and Hong Kongers often complain that the worst of it comes from Mainland China. Is that fact or a convenient scapegoat? After all, Hong Kong is a densely populated developed city with one of the busiest ports in the World – it is likely that they […]
Hong Kong’s air quality might not be as good as you think
Hong Kong doesn’t come to mind when people think of air pollution. However, the data tells a different story–one that has important implications for Hong Kongers’ health. Hong Kong’s Air Pollution in Numbers I just analyzed data on Hong Kong’s pollution data and found that PM2.5 averaged 30 micrograms in 2018. Here’s how that compares to […]
How’s the Air in London? See the Data
Over 100 years after “London Fog,” is London’s air safe? I just analyzed data on London’s PM2.5 pollution—tiny particles in the air. In 2018, London averaged 12 micrograms of PM2.5. What Does That Mean? Based on this data from the King’s College London, London’s air quality is slightly above the WHO annual limit. That limit is […]