Public backs ministry's air quality plans

BEIJING - Feedback on plans to amend China's air quality standard has shown a clear desire among the public for authorities to get stricter, with many calling for pollution checks to factor in PM2.5, officials said on Wednesday.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection began soliciting citizens' comments on Nov 16 and in 21 days received more than 1,500 letters, e-mails and faxes.

According to an official statement, many people said air quality readings should include PM2.5, particulate matter smaller than 2.5 micrometers, which experts say is a major health hazard that can trigger cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as lung cancer.