China Goes to War on PM2.5

In 2011, public calls for the government to use a more stringent air quality standard grew louder.

Ultimately, the government was swayed, and it included PM2.5 – small particulate matter of 2.5 microns in diameter or less that are easily absorbed into the lungs – in the latest National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Each provincial capital and municipality will begin monitoring PM2.5 in 2012.