Thousands of athletes are now competing in Winter Olympics events across three places in China – Beijing, Yanqing, and Zhangjiakou. But given that air pollution in many Chinese cities is high, does it pose a threat to the athletes?
Air quality in Beijing has improved hugely in the last 10 years. This is primarily measured by the mass concentration of PM2.5, which refers to particulate matter of less than 2.5 micrometers which can enter into human lungs and is the most dangerous air pollutant. Annual average PM2.5 concentrations reduced from nearly 90 µg/m3 (microgram per cubic metre) in 2013 to 33 µg/m3 in 2021. That said, air quality in Beijing still requires further improvement to meet new WHO air quality guidelines (annual average of 5 µg/m3).
