Chart of the Day: Beijing’s Air Pollution Level Dips to New Low

So there’s finally some good news about air quality in China. People living in Beijing breathed the best air since 2013 in September, according to government data.

In China’s capital, the average monthly concentrations of PM 2.5 — atmospheric particles that have a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers and are considered the most hazardous to human health — dipped to 30 micrograms per cubic meter in September, according to data from the state-run National Environmental Monitoring Center. The reading marked the lowest level since the data series began in March 2013.

According to the air quality standard that the country released in 2012, the average annual level of PM 2.5 should be kept below 35 micrograms per cubic meter in residential communities to ensure public health.

Things are getting better, as Beijing has reported an average monthly PM 2.5 density of 35 micrograms per cubic meter or lower for three months this year. In contrast, all monthly readings last year were above 35 micrograms per cubic meter.

Overall, air quality in the country has improved slightly this year, according to official data. The positive trend is seen partly due to the government’s efforts to control air pollution through measures such as suspending production at some factories and encouraging cargo transport by rail and water instead of by road to reduce emissions by trucks.

Contact reporter Lin Jinbing (jinbinglin@caixin.com)