|

Air quality hazard warning in Beijing

Since early Jan 2015 Beijing’s Municipal Government has reported an extreme increase in the air quality index in Beijing.  The air quality in all districts and southern suburban areas has reported to bee very unhealthy at a level greater than 200 (201-300 is identified as Very Unhealthy).

What is the cause?  a common cause for in increase in air pollution in major Chinese cities is a result of burning soft coal for heat during the winter.

Traveller’s with lung or heart disease, 70 years of age or older and teenagers or children are at a higher risk of experiencing serious health effects due to the air pollution.   All travelers are likely to experience health effects.   Travellers at higher risk are advised to stay indoors and maintain only light activity, they should avoid outdoor physical activity until air quality has improved.

Similar Posts

  • World Youth Day: Brazil

    World Youth Day 2013 will be hosted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from July 23-28,2013.  Millions of people from around the world are expected to arrive in Brazil for this event.  Due to the large crowds there is an increased risk of injury as well as gastrointestinal illness (Travellers Diarrhea) and risk of catching a cold….

  • Last Minute Vacations

    I want a last-minute vacation.  Do I really need vaccinations? Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe Globe and Mail Update Published Monday, Feb. 06, 2012 6:00PM EST  The question I can’t take it anymore: I want a beach vacation – and I want to leave this week, on a last-minute sale to escape the cold. What vaccinations really…

  • Flooding: Greece

    Due to heavy rain there has been flooding in Athens, resulting in casualties. Travellers are advised to avoid affected areas, expect disruption in service of transportation and to monitor the situation through local media.  

  • Japan Update

    On March 11 a major earthquake and tsunami caused widespread destruction primarily in northeastern Japan, with aftershocks continuing, including in Tokyo which is further south. There is an exclusion zone surrounding the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant located in northeastern Japan south of Miyagi Prefecture (see additional information below). Health recommendations for most areas of the…

  • Measles Outbreaks

    Measles: Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It is 9 times more infectious than the Flu. The most common population that are vulnerable to measles are infants and adults. Measles spreads through droplets, such as from a cough or sneeze, from an infected individual, and also through the air. The virus can suspend in…

  • Chikungunya in Florida

       Florida’s Health department has confirmed 2 cases of locally acquired chikungunya since July 17, 2014.  These are the first locally acquired cases reported in the U.S. Chikungunya is not vaccine preventable.  It is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito.  Travellers are advised to use daytime insect precautions.  Any traveler returning with a…