"Sandstorms and Air Pollution Plague Beijing and Northern China"

A severe sandstorm originating from Mongolia has blanketed Beijing and several northern provinces in China, sending air pollution soaring to hazardous levels. The air quality index of PM10 particles exceeded monitoring charts, with concentrations hitting 1,667 micrograms per cubic meter, more than 37 times the daily average guideline set by the World Health Organization. Nearly a dozen provinces issued yellow warning signals, and weather authorities warned people not to go outdoors for exercise and other activities. The sandstorm is made worse by rising industrial activities and rapid deforestation throughout northern China.