Air Pollution Data Stirs Debate over Holiday Fireworks

Deep-rooted Problems

Although many Chinese have discussed the problem posed by maintaining the custom of setting off fireworks in the face of air pollution problems, many others think more deep-rooted problems need to be tackled to reduce smog.

"The fireworks last only a dozen days, but the country has long been plagued by smog. Why should we change our traditions just because the government has failed to do its job during the rest of the year?" said Tian Zhaoyuan, a professor at East China Normal University.

Multiple Chinese cities were hit with dense smog in January. Beijing, for instance, had 23 smoggy days from Jan. 1 to 28, about 10 more than the annual average during the same period over the last 10 years and the most since 1954.

The average density of PM2.5 in January was 180 micrograms per cubic meter in Beijing, about 30 percent higher than that recorded during the same period from 2009 to 2011, according to meteorological data.

"If all the uncertified factories were shut down and fuel quality was improved to reduce emissions, the sky would be cleaner," Tian said.

Professor Xie Shaodong at the College of Environmental Sciences at Peking University said the smog can still serve a good purpose.

"If the public's environmental awareness can be aroused and people are willing to change their behavior for the sake of others, something good can be made out of a bad situation," he said.