Should China Adopt American Air Quality Standards?

Many Chinese Say "YES"

Authorities in Beijing, and most Chinese cities, measure air pollution by counting only particles between 2.5 and 10 micrometers in diameter.

The U.S. Embassy in Beijing counts ones of 2.5 micrometers and below, which experts say make up the most of the city's air pollution and cause more damage to the lungs.

As a result, many Beijingers are becoming increasingly aware that the embassy's readings often contradict those from the environment bureau:

On Oct. 30, for example, the embassy rated Beijing's air "hazardous," while the bureau called it "slight."  (WSJ, 4/9/2011)