Can social class have an effect on what type of air we breathe? As ridiculous as that sounds-that's exactly the case in Beijing. Beijing has always been in a tug-of-war state with smog and pollution-however, it is now that technology comes to the aid of countless Chinese citizens by filtering clean air, water and healthy food. Social class comes in to play because many can afford these expensive yet effective systems that filters water for bathing or washing vegetables, and air conditioning that filters out smog before letting it flow throughout the house. Air filtering systems costs about $4,300 while water filters can cost $1,000. Not to mention that in case the air filtering systems don't work, there are air purifiers in each room which have to be renewed each month-costing about $430. While it is impressive that technology has helped us thus far, it is extremely unfair to the working class of China. With a pay of about $17,000 each year, the average citizen cannot afford all these expensive air treatments. While apparently Chinese government officials are doing everything they can to try and improve these conditions for the working class, I hope that they will be able to do so as soon as possible. Because this isn't a matter of luxury, this is a matter of someone's well-being.
http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/15/health/china-beijing-smog-tale-of-two-cities/index.html
I hope they will soon be able to improve the conditions of the air everywhere on the world so we can all be healthy for many years to come.
ReplyDeleteWow! I had no idea social class and air pollution were connected in this way. I hope that these people soon improve the air conditions not only for the working class, but for everybody.
ReplyDeleteI feel that they should lower the price of the air purifiers and water filters. They are putting many people in danger because the lower class cannot afford the luxuries. Hopefully the air conditions will improve with time.
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