NE Chinese cities see heavy air pollution

Some cities in northeastern China saw heavy air pollution from April 12 due to straw burning.

While air quality generally improved last week nationwide, some cities in northeastern China saw their PM2.5 density, a key indicator of air pollution, climbing high, official data showed.

Experts attributed the worsening air quality to centralized straw burning in the open air and unfavorable meteorological conditions, such as low wind speeds and high humidity.

Four cities have issued red alert for heavy pollution weather. Experts suggest all localities should strictly control straw burning in the open air.

A cold front is expected to disperse the pollution from April 21 to April 23, experts said.