Vehicles run on the street near Xuanwumen amid the heavy smog in Beijing on Dec 8, 2015. [Photo/IC]

What is the main source of pollution in Beijing?

Vehicle emissions are the primary source of air pollution in Beijing, according to the Ministry of Environmental Protection, which has carried out source analysis of PM2.5 in capital cities of provinces and municipalities across China.

How best to cope with smog in Beijing?

Children, senior citizens, people with respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are recommended to avoid outdoor activities, while other residents are advised to do indoor activities as much as possible and wear face masks or other anti-smog gear outside.

Meanwhile, local medical and health organizations are advised to arrange more emergency shifts to provide treatment for respiratory illnesses.

Who defied the red alert?

A team of relevant authorities in Beijing inspected the implementation of emergency measures in the municipality.

The team found 438 companies with stationary pollution sources, 14 illegal environmental activities, 24 vehicles with excessive discharges, nine outdoor barbecues and 12 open-air fires.