Surviving the Winter Pollution in Chengdu

Here’s How to Survive Winter Pollution in Chengdu

• Winter is well and truly on the way in Chengdu, and with this icy blast of weather, we’ve been blessed with another winter special; grey skies, and high AQI. Chengdu generally experiences quite high levels of pollution in winter: a mix of increased power usage, motor pollution, close proximity to industry, and unlucky topography are just a few reasons why. The winter tends to bring the highest AQI (Air Quality Index) readings, causing hard-to-ignore damage to both our health and our moods.

• But it must be said that because of government efforts to move factories out of residential areas, amongst other things, it has, on average, gotten better over the years. Unlike some regions in China’s Northeast, which experience huge peaks and troughs, Chengdu generally has a continuous moderate-to-high pollution level throughout the season.

• Whilst we don’t all have the luxury of escaping the city when it gets bad, we are luckily more equipped than ever to monitor and protect ourselves from pollutants. As awareness increases of the dangers of PM2.5s (small particles believed to be the most damaging to our health), so does the range of products and services that can help – and some are more affordable than you’d think.

• The pollution can be especially dangerous for sensitive groups: children, the elderly and pregnant women. Here are some tips to keep safe this winter:

1) Know the Air Quality

Living in Chengdu means learning to deal with seasonal air pollution. Fortunately, we’re better equipped than ever to monitor and protect ourselves from harmful pollutants.

As awareness grows about the dangers of PM2.5 particles—tiny pollutants that are most damaging to our health—so does the variety of tools available to help. Many of these tools are more affordable than you might expect.

Your well-being during high pollution days depends on making smart decisions. That’s why it’s essential to check the air quality daily

Use Smart Monitors and Apps

Some air purifiers can display indoor air quality, but their sensors only measure the air near the device—not where you’re actually sitting or sleeping. To get a more accurate picture, consider using stand-alone smart monitors. These devices vary in price and can measure different pollutants.

One of the easiest ways to stay informed is to download a free air quality app. Apps like Air Matters: Global Air Quality & Pollen Data are available for both iOS and Android. We like this one because it provides real-time readings from different districts in Chengdu and even lets you compare data from other cities around the world.

You can also visit dedicated air quality websites or follow @CGChengduAir on Twitter, which tweets regular pollution updates.

Our Favorite Device: The Laser Egg

For simplicity and value, we recommend the Laser Egg by Kaiterra. Although discontinued in 2022, it’s still available on platforms like Taobao for around 750 RMB.

The Laser Egg shows PM2.5 readings on a bright LED screen, which means there’s no need to constantly check your phone. You can sync it to an app if you like, but it also works unplugged, making it easy to measure air quality on the go. Plus, its Mini-Program adds extra convenience.

2) Wear A Mask…and make it a good one

Since Covid-19, many of us know more about masks than before. Terms like FFP2 and N95 can be confusing, but they indicate how well a mask filters airborne particles.

Understanding Mask Standards

European standards (EN143 & EN149) classify masks as FFP1, FFP2, and FFP3. These remove 80%, 94%, and 99% of particles respectively. American standards use N95, N99, and N100, which remove 95%, 99%, and 100%.

Recommended Masks and Options

We usually recommend 3M N95 masks. These are the gold standard for disposable masks and cost around 80 RMB for 50 masks on JD.com. Another option is Vogmask, a Californian company making high-quality fabric masks. They offer about 200 hours of protection and cost between 80 and 200 RMB on Taobao.com.

Masks for Outdoor Activities

Wearing a mask outdoors is important, especially when cycling or running along busy roads or near construction. Respro masks work well, but beware of fakes on Taobao. Totobobo also makes masks with replaceable filters. Although currently sold out on JD.com, we found them less comfortable. ID Masks claim to specialize in masks that allow better airflow during runs. They might be worth trying.

Fit Matters Most

No matter which mask you choose, fit is crucial. It must seal well with no gaps to prevent air leakage. Many videos online show how to fit masks properly. Take time to learn the correct way to wear yours.

3) Purify the Air in Your Home & Office

Choose the Right Air Purifier for Your Space

Start by buying an air purifier that fits your room size. Most purifiers show a recommended room area (适用面积) in square meters or list an airflow rate called CADR (风机空载风量), measured in cubic meters per hour.

An effective purifier should replace the air in your room about five times per hour. To estimate this, multiply your room’s floor area by its height, then multiply by five. Check if the purifier’s airflow rate meets or exceeds this number.

Recommended Air Purifiers

XiaoMi offers smart air purifiers starting from 250 RMB. You can turn these on with your phone before you get home. They come in different sizes to suit various spaces.

Smart Air sells affordable models from 180 RMB, which work well in smaller rooms. (You can find them at smartairfilters.com.) Though less stylish, these units are effective.

How to Maximize Your Air Purifier’s Effectiveness

Air purifiers typically take about ten minutes to become effective after turning on. To get the best results, seal your windows with polythene sheets and close your doors to prevent air leaks.

Also, monitor your purifier’s filters. Some filters become more efficient with use, but others need replacing often. Make sure you change them as needed to maintain good air quality.

Other Ways to Help Purify Your Home

There is a lot of misinformation about plants and other natural methods for cleaning air. Unfortunately, these do not protect you against PM2.5 particles.

However, NASA research shows that certain plants, like Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum), Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum), Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum ‘Mauna Loa’), and Variegated Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), can help remove harmful chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde. They add beauty to your home but have limited impact on harmful air pollutants.

Some people believe beeswax candles and Himalayan salt lamps clean the air. We’ve put ours away with our dreamcatchers, as they don’t actually improve air quality.

4) Make Good Decisions to Minimize Pollution Exposure

While you can’t control the air quality outside, you can take steps to reduce your exposure.

Quit Smoking

This might seem obvious. However, in a city where smoking is cheap and deeply woven into dining and business culture, sitting in a bar without a cigarette might feel strange. Still, cutting out smoking is a sure way to improve your health.

Avoid Rush Hour

If you travel by bike or on foot, try to avoid busy roads during rush hours. The first and second ring roads and Renmin South Road are especially polluted between 4-7 pm. During this time, there are 5% more cars on the road than last year. Taking the subway to cross the city can greatly reduce your exposure to pollution.

Exercise Wisely

Opinions vary about when you should stop outdoor cardio based on the Air Quality Index (AQI). Some believe that exercising outside is better than not exercising at all, no matter the air quality. Whichever view you follow, it’s smart to monitor the AQI, time your workouts well, and choose side roads or river paths to avoid traffic fumes. Most gyms don’t have air purifiers yet, but indoor air usually contains about 50% less pollution than outdoor air.

🔗 For more on how pollution can affect your skin, check out our article on The Effects of Pollution on your Skin.

A note from the editor: We know this winter might be tough for many people, who are spending another year away from family – which gets especially hard in the lead up to the holiday season. Remember, you are not alone if you’re feeling a bit down. Reach out to the community, take some vitamin D, get a TV box (those festive adverts!), and try to get some exercise. Spring will be here before you know it. We love you!

Air pollution’s long term health impacts often build up slowly over time, but even if you’re not in Chengdu for the long run, it’s still not a bad idea to take precautions and make good decisions. Keep these tips in mind this winter to keep the pollution woes at bay!

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