Refer China: Shanghai's Severe Smog ： Health Risks & Safety Tips

Shanghai faces heavy fog and "moderate pollution," ranking third globally in AQI. Authorities advise staying indoors, wearing N95 masks, and using air purifiers due to poor air quality and reduced visibility disrupting traffic.

Shanghai Now Ranks Third in Global AQI Most Polluted Cities: Health Tips

This morning, Shanghai woke up to a thick, unsettling fog that blanketed the city and severely reduced visibility—prompting widespread concern and awe from residents. With air quality plummeting to dangerous levels, the city was ranked third on the World AQI Ranking list of most polluted major cities globally.

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Residents described surreal scenes resembling a "misty forest," with popular landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower appearing to have "vanished." Social media was flooded with comments like "Woke up blind today," "The building opposite is completely offline," and "Where did the traffic lights go?"

The Shanghai Central Meteorological Observatory issued a Yellow Fog Alert at 5:06 AM, warning that visibility in most areas would drop below 500 meters—some places even less than 100 meters. It wasn't until 10:25 AM that the alert was lifted as visibility slowly improved. Earlier in the day, red fog alerts were issued in Chongming District and orange alerts in Pudong.

Coastal areas like Chongming, Baoshan, Pudong, and Fengxian were heavily affected. Images from districts including Jiading, Songjiang, and Fengxian showed roads and buildings obscured in a ghostly white haze. The fog disrupted transportation, halting some ferry services and limiting speeds on major highways to 40–60 km/h. Notably, parts of the G40 expressway were shut down due to visibility issues and an early-morning three-car accident near Changxing Island.

Adding to the concern, Shanghai's Air Quality Index (AQI) soared to 193 by 9 AM—categorized as "moderate pollution"—with PM2.5 identified as the main pollutant. Several monitoring stations, including those in Putuo, Hongkou, Jing'an, and Minhang, recorded severe pollution levels.

Shanghai's Environmental Department attributed the spike to pollution carried from northern provinces like Shandong and Henan, worsened by stagnant local weather conditions. While mild southeasterly winds are expected to clear the air slightly by nightfall, the morning's pollution levels were considered hazardous.

Health Authorities Urge Caution

Authorities issued strong advisories for residents, particularly children, the elderly, and those with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, to stay indoors and avoid intense outdoor activity.

Tips for Personal Protection in Heavy Smog:

Limit Outdoor Exposure: Vulnerable populations (including pregnant women) should avoid going out unless necessary.

Wear Proper Masks: Use N95/KN95 masks with a tight facial seal. Change them after prolonged use or if damaged.

Use Air Purifiers: Place them centrally in rooms for better circulation and clean filters regularly.

Maintain Personal Hygiene: Wash exposed skin thoroughly; clean nasal passages with saline solutions.

Eat Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Include nuts, green tea, and colorful fruits/vegetables. Stay hydrated with regular, small sips of water throughout the day.

Source: 新闻坊