A Study of Smog Issues and PM2.5 Pollutant Control Strategies in China

David Hu; Juyuan Jiang

doi:10.4236/jep.2013.47086

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Journal of Environmental Protection > Vol.4 No.7, July 2013

A Study of Smog Issues and PM_2.5 Pollutant Control Strategies in China ()

Blue Valley Southwest High School, Overland Park, USA.
School of Automation Engineering, Tianjin University of Technology, Tianjin, China.

DOI: 10.4236/jep.2013.47086 PDF HTML 8,777 Downloads 15,646 Views Citations

Abstract

The increased occurrence of smoggy days in major Chinese cities is of major concern to the general public. This paper explores the major sources of PM_2.5 pollutants, a key contributor to the smog in Beijing, one of China’s largest cities. Evidence indicates that the secondary PM_2.5 particles formed through NO_x, SO_x, NH₃, VOCs, etc. have a strong impact on human health. As a result, PM_2.5 pollution control should not simply focus on controlling particulate emission, but should involve adopting an integrated multi-pollutant control strategy. In addition to identifying the major sources of PM_2.5, this paper explores its impact on environmental and human health. Although the intention of this research is not to provide solutions for reducing PM_2.5 pollution, the paper analyzes the United States’ experience with establishing PM_2.5 standards and mandates. Specifically, this paper focuses on the air quality control strategies adopted in California since the 1940s and draws parallels with present-day China. The research suggests that adequate government regulation, public awareness, regional collaboration and industrial compliance are keys to successfully controlling PM_2.5 pollution.

Keywords

PM_2.5; Smog; Air Quality Control; Multi-Pollutant Control; Coal Combustion; Vehicle Emission; Beijing; China

Share and Cite:

D. Hu and J. Jiang, "A Study of Smog Issues and PM_2.5 Pollutant Control Strategies in China," Journal of Environmental Protection, Vol. 4 No. 7, 2013, pp. 746-752. doi: 10.4236/jep.2013.47086.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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