"The climate is also changing in that wind speeds are slowing. Apart from that, rapid economic development and East China's current industrial mode also cause smog," he said.

During this month's Two Sessions, deputies and members offered advice and made suggestions to improve the atmosphere. Some urged that air quality be listed as an evaluation factor of government performances, while others said use of cleaner fuels should be compulsory to reduce pollution.

Huang Lianxi, a lawyer and member of the CPPCC, said the public has the right to know about cases of severe pollution and that the relevant laws should be strictly enforced. Heavy punishments should be meted out to those who transgress.

Pu Changsen, chairman of Shandong Energy Group, told the NPC that clean energy should be promoted nationwide, especially in Shandong province, where coal consumption accounts for approximately 10 percent of the national total. He stressed that the government should accelerate the replacement of coal-heating systems in North China with electric or gas heating.

Mahmoudi Artin, a pulmonologist and medical director of the intensive care unit at Beijing United Family Hospital, suggested that people should care more about air quality in their homes, as most people spend long periods indoors, especially during China's long, cold winters.

"Air purifiers and masks are two definite options. But it will be a long time before we see significant reductions in air pollution, so we need to pay more attention to the indoor environment, something that can easily be improved," he said. As an example, he urged people not to smoke indoors.

He also emphasized the importance of participating in outdoor sports, even on smoggy days. "The benefits more than outweigh the negative effects of the air pollution," he said.

Contact the writers at yangwanli@chinadaily.com.cn and qiuquanlin@chinadaily.com.cn

Mei Jia and Wu Wencong contributed to this story.