The draft version of a new set of policies to control fine particle pollution is open for public comment until March 4, according to the Environmental Protection Ministry.

It consists of suggestions to manage PM2.5 pollution - particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter that can go deep into the lungs - from all kinds of sources, including industry, agriculture and automobiles.

"It is more like a guide to all levels of government bodies on the detailed measures, technologies and management approaches to deal with PM2.5," Feng Bo, an official from the ministry's science, technology and standards department, told China Daily.

One suggestion that attracted media attention is to enact laws to make barbecues in open air illegal in heavily polluted cities.

"Such activities have certain impacts on the PM2.5 level in the environment, that's why we made this proposal," said Feng.

The draft also highlights the urgency to start research on and control the total amount of PM2.5 emitted, and emphasizes that energy utilization and planning for urban construction are key methods to combat PM2.5.

It set the goal to build city-level efficient emissions monitoring and evaluation systems by 2015, with detailed targets for the government and enterprises. By 2020, a regional monitoring, assessment and control system is expected to be formed, with PM2.5 levels dropping significantly.

- Wu Wencong

(China Daily 02/21/2013 page3)