Pollution masks given to outdoor workers

NGOs distribute protective gear as people urged to stay indoors

Though Beijing has been shrouded in smog containing dangerously high levels of pollutants for several days, prompting authorities to urge the public to stay indoors, some people are hitting the streets to help those in need.

As the stench of coal and automobile exhaust hangs in the air, NGOs are preparing to hand out masks to people who work outside, including street cleaners, traffic wardens and doormen, in cities including Beijing and Tianjin and in Hunan province.