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 […]
Tag: mask
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 […]
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 […]
This One Region in China Saw a Pollution Miracle in 2018
New analysis from Smart Air shows that China is making progress on its “war on air pollution.” PM2.5 air pollution was down in 14 out of China’s 15 largest cities. Yet one region saw far more progress than the rest. South Sees Modest Air Quality Gains In southern China, from Shanghai to Shenzhen, […]
Do Pollution Masks Really Work?
When a billion people in China (and quite a few expats) woke up to the severe air pollution in almost every city in China, it forced a billion people to become experts in a complicated scientific question: Do masks work? Since then, I’ve given talks with hundreds of people all around China about how to protect […]
How long do air pollution masks last and when should I change them?
There’s good data showing that masks (including surgical masks) really can stop pollution and even have demonstrated physiological benefits. Masks work. But one place data is lacking is for air pollution mask lifespan. Just how long do air pollution masks really last? Really Just One Day? I frequently run into people who suspect that […]