Job Discussion Forums

astrayalien · Joined: 01 Feb 2011 Posts: 85 Location: China

I am in Taiyuan, which has a reputation for bad pollution. Whilst you won't see a blue sky so often, I don't notice the pollution in terms of breathing and so on. Sure, its a bit dusty, but overall I'm enjoying my stay. Some people say Beijing has worse pollution than Taiyuan.

Personally, I would stay away from coastal areas if they are down wind from Japan. I think the radiation has been downplayed a lot.

Mike E · Joined: 06 Oct 2011 Posts: 132

I agree, I also think the radiation release from Japan has been more serious than they've let on.

Gringo Greg · Posted: Thu May 03, 2012 3:01 am Post subject:

I'm in Xinjiang and no pollution at all here. Just beautiful blue skies all year round. Urumqi? Stay out of it during winter, but the rest of the province is beautiful and full of clean air.

Denim-Maniac · Joined: 31 Jan 2012 Posts: 1238

Ive only worked in two locations in China, HaiNan and GuangXi province, pollution isnt a problem in either of them, in my experience anyway. Actually, based on my experience alone, I was always wondering why people went on about it? In my naivety, I assumed all/most of China was the same Embarassed

Ive since heard lots of horror stories from my room mate who was somewhere in ShaanXi province recently!

I think it is a good question and should be investigated further when considering a location to live/work in!

Mike E · Joined: 06 Oct 2011 Posts: 132

In answer, I've been in Zhongshan for several month and haven't found the air here particularly problematic.

Zero · Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 1402

I have a guess that even in the "good" areas, if you measured the air pollution levels they would not meet Western standards. Also, the local water is likely full of contaminants.

As far as I know, no population on Earth has been exposed to as much pollution, and for as long, as mainland Chinese. Of course, there are pockets of people who have, if they live next to a factory or whatever. But as far as an entire, densely populated country, no. The extreme pollution in China is relatively new, the last 20 years or so. It's unknown what effect decades of exposure, in many cases from birth, will have on the human body. I do believe the pollution could have some effect on long-term FTs, though not as severe as on locals who inhaled it in childhood.

Mike E · Joined: 06 Oct 2011 Posts: 132

Yes, I know. By "it's not bad" I mean "it's not so bad that I've noticed it yet." But I'm sure it's bad, regardless. And yes, in case anyone considering coming to China doesn't know it -- don't drink the water. Certainly if you do you must boil or somehow purify it first.