Beijing and Northern China Endure Fourth Sandstorm in a Month
Beijing and northeastern China have been hit by a severe sandstorm for the fourth time in a month, causing air pollution levels to soar. Authorities have advised children and the elderly to stay indoors, while healthy adults are urged to avoid outdoor activity. The sandstorm has been caused by rising industrial activity and rapid deforestation throughout northern China. The concentration of PM10 particles exceeded 1,321 micrograms per cubic meter, almost 30 times the daily average guideline set by the World Health Organization.