thinking about Chinese pollution in Meadville

It's hard to avoid discussion of China's pollution situation, even now that I've returned to rural Pennsylvania, with amounts of green and clean air for which I have ever new appreciation. NPR yesterday featured a story titled "Athletes Struggle for Air Amid China's Pollution" about Canadian athletes playing soccer in Beijing (helpful discussion about spitting included). Pollution indexes for Beijing ranged from 170 to 240 while the Canadians were there. For comparison, Washington, DC averages 30-40, health warnings begin at 60, and by 90 people with any relevant health issues are warned to stay inside. Somehow my constant "cold" while in Beijing makes even more sense now.