China's air pollution worsens for first time in five years

Air quality in China fell in the first half of 2010 for the first time in five years, according to statistics released by the Environmental Protection Ministry, AFP reported. The number of "good air qualities days" in 113 cities dropped by 0.3% year-on-year, the first decline since 2005, while the level of inhalable particles rose, again for the first time since 2005. Moreover, the report argued that acid rain was pervasive in some areas of the country, and that roughly a quarter of all China’s surface water was "contaminated," meaning that it is suitable only for agricultural or industrial use. Officials placed blame on this year’s unusually severe spring sandstorms, pollution generated by the economic recovery and more vehicles on the road. Tao Detian, a spokesperson for the ministry, admitted that the situation was "grim."