Environment experts look into high levels of sulfur in Linfen

The central environmental authority and Shanxi provincial government have sent experts to uncover the reasons and provide solutions for reducing the alarmingly high concentration of sulfur dioxide in Linfen, Shanxi province, which has engulfed the northern city for days and raised health concerns.

The experts have already started thorough research on sources of pollution in the city, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Environmental Protection on Thursday.

The city saw alarmingly high concentrations of sulfur dioxide in December, reaching 348 micrograms per cubic meter, 4.8 times the national standard, according to the city's environmental protection bureau, adding that the concentration had soared to 1,303 mg per cubic meter at 11 pm on Jan 4.