Capital hastens effort to cut PM2.5 pollution

The Chinese capital is attempting to speed up the reduction of fine-particulate pollutants, with the aim of reaching the internationally recognized safe level, as it bids to be host for the 2022 Winter Olympics, authorities have said.

Despite challenges, Beijing will make all efforts to reduce its concentration of PM2.5, which is particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 microns or smaller, said Pan Tao, head of the Beijing Research Institute of Environmental Protection.

PM2.5 pollutants can penetrate the lungs and are very harmful to health.