Shanghai mechanism lowers thresholds for pre-warnings

The environmental authority in Shanghai unveiled an updated emergency response plan for severe air pollution on Wednesday, with an even more timely warning mechanism and improved response measures.

The new emergency plan, launched by the Shanghai Environmental Protection Bureau, lowered the thresholds for when pre-warnings can be launched, including a short-spell of heavy pollution. It said that the real-time density of PM2.5, a major air pollutant, was chosen as the main benchmark.

Open-air barbecues and burning garbage outdoors are banned on heavily polluted days. Companies in sectors including petrochemicals, steel, chemicals, cement, shipbuilding, painting, medicine, electronics and heat treatment are required to reduce or shut down production on heavily polluted days.