Study shows Beijing subway increases risk for cancer

Speakers: Nillah Nyakoa and Lu Sirui

Subway in Beijing [Photo: from Baidu.com]

A recent study shows that air pollution levels on the Beijing subway are so high that they might be hazardous to the health of commuters. Specifically, long-term subway users might be more prone to heart disease and lung cancer versus non-commuters.

The study released by Rock Environment and Energy Institute concludes that subway riders should wear masks to protect themselves from pollutants. 

The researchers also suggest that the local government work to improve ventilation in the city's subways in order to help clean up the hazardous air.

An analysis of the data shows that PM 2.5 levels were at 127 micrograms per cubic meter during warmer months. On average, that's two times the amount that was found outdoors during the same months.

In the winter months the levels were even worse, coming in at 154 micrograms per cubic meter, a 50 percent increase over outdoor levels during the same months.

The worst offender was Line 8, and the lowest levels of PM 2.5 were found on Line 13.

The audio clip is from Studio+, produced by CRI.