Still air traps smog in China’s capital triggering ‘red alert’
By Sui-Lee Wee BEIJING (Reuters) – A blanket of humid air trapping smog brought Beijing's first pollution "red alert" on Tuesday although many residents ignored warnings to limit time outdoors and authorities said the pollution would last several more days. Hundreds of people, including toddlers, packed Tiananmen Square to watch a daily flag-raising ceremony while China&039;s state radio said some motorists were ignoring a ban on vehicles bearing odd-numbered license plates. Environment Minister Chen Jining called a special meeting late on Monday to urge greater vigilance against pollution in Beijing and nearby cities and he increased the number of environmental inspection teams to 12, ThePaper.cn, a state-backed news website, reported.
