Guangzhou sets clean air quality target for 2015

The PM2.5 readings in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong province, will decrease by more than 6 percent in 2015 compared with the 2010 levels, according to the city's environmental protection plan.

PM2.5 are air particles smaller than 2.5 microns and able to enter the lungs.

The plan was approved at an executive meeting of the city government on Monday.

Sulfur dioxide emissions, nitric oxide emissions and energy consumption per unit of GDP should come down 31.9 percent, 30.9 percent and 19.5 percent, respectively, in 2015.

PM2.5 readings at the 10 monitoring posts in Guangzhou between Jan 1 and Jan 13 averaged between 30 and 99 micrograms per cubic meter daily, indicating light pollution, the Guangzhou Daily reported, citing Xia Yumin, chief engineer of the city's environmental protection bureau.

The highest daily average reading at one post during the period was 120 micrograms per cubic meter, which means medium pollution.

liwenfang@chinadaily.com.cn

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