WHO calls air pollution in Chinese cities a crisis

Smog in the city for the sixth straight day.

A dense grey pall shrouds China's capital.

Many commuters wear masks.

The World Health Organisation says it must be seen as a crisis.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO) REPRESENTATIVE IN CHINA BERNHARD SCHWARTLANDER SAYING:

"Of course on days where pollution levels reach or even exceed the scale, we are very concerned and we have to see this as a crisis. A crisis means that we need to take immediate action to protect ourselves, so in these days, of course, we have to recommend that people don't go outside to have physical activities, they stay inside, keep children inside to the extent possible to protect them from the possible negative health effects that we have."

Smog levels in Beijing reached 469 on Tuesday morning.

Pollution readings measuring the number of unhealthy particles in the air higher than 300 are considered hazardous by the WHO.

Still the warnings didn't stop