Beijing sees 22 blue sky days in January

(BEIJING, February 1) -- The number of days meeting the air quality standards reached 22 in January 2008 -- the most number of such days for January since 2000.

In January this year, Beijing had seven top grade days and 15 secondary grade days, according to a Xinhua report, citing statistics from the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau.

In China's air quality grading definitions, first and secondary grade days are those days described as "excellent" and "good" in terms of air quality, with no impact on people's health. Third grade means "slightly polluted," with tips given to cardiac and respiratory system patients to reduce exertive and outdoor activities.

In January 2008, there were nine "third grade" days.

The main pollutants in the remaining eight days in January were sulfur dioxide and inhalable particles, according to the bureau. There was one less day with major pollutants like sulfur dioxide in this January than in January 2007.