I arrived in Chengdu two days ago, and shortly thereafter felt that slightly tingly sensation in the lungs that is the telltale sign of particulates pollution. Within six hours I began coughing. The 24 hour convenience store around the corner only had women's facemask in stock, but I didn't care. I wanted to filter off as much of this crap air right away. I understand that our sensitivities are different; Local Chengduers seem oblivious to this, yet so many people are walking around with a cough, or worse yet, constant and loud expellings of phlegm.

I have found this app for my iphone useful for monitoring air quality: CHINA AIR QUALITY INDEX

Xinhua is reporting red flag warning for virtually the entire northern half of the country. I can't imagine how bad it is in Beijing, considering that Chengdu is currently officially reported as "lightly polluted," "Workout Suitable."