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Beijing Mulls Smog Limits on Factories, Cars

City officials in Beijing have proposed regulations to restrict vehicle and manufacturing emissions when smog reaches levels dangerous to human health.
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City officials in Beijing have proposed regulations to restrict vehicle and manufacturing emissions when smog reaches levels dangerous to human health.

Last week Beijing's pollution was nearly 40 times the maximum density recommended by the World Health Organization. Similar problems afflict China's other big cities.

Beijing advised children and the elderly to remain indoors last weekend. Visibility fell below 330 feet on Tuesday. The city's airport was forced to ground flights earlier today.

The new rules would impose a 3,000-yuan ($478) fine on drivers of vehicles that exceed emission limits. Beijing also proposes shutting factories and banning cars from the road on days when pollution is extremely high.

Local environmental experts are skeptical that the new regulations would have a significant impact on Beijing's air quality.

The Chinese government is alarmed that growing anger about urban pollution could spawn political unrest. State-run media, which was previously mum about the problem, are now calling for reforms to clear up the "poisonous" air.

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