China: Beijing to Ban Fireworks if Pollution Raises

Beijing, Dec 13 (Prensa Latina) Beijing authorities said today that fireworks will be banned during celebrations for Lunar New Year that begin on January 31st, if conditions in this capital city are of serious pollution.

The launch of rockets and all kinds of fireworks is a tradition practiced by Chinese people in every important celebration, including weddings and festivals, with the intention of warding off evil spirits, according to local folklore.

But the peak of firework launch takes place precisely at Lunar New Year, which last year caused an increase in concentration of PM2, 5, that reached 500 microns per cubic meter when the normal rate according to World Health Organization is 35 microns.

Yu Lianwei, official of Beijing Public Security Bureau, said that capital city's residents will receive messages on their cell phones to remind the alert if pollution levels rise and in that case, the police will take charge of enforcing the required measure.