Despite improvements in some of the worst-hit areas, almost 300 Chinese cities still failed to meet national standards for air quality last year, Greenpeace announced on Wednesday, Jan. 20.

The average level of PM2.5 particulates in the 366 cities monitored was reported to be more than five times the maximum recommended levels by the World Health Organization, according to government data collected by Greenpeace. 

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The determining factor is fine pollutant particles smaller than 2.5 microns in diameter that can penetrate the lungs and cause the greatest harm to a person's health. Of the 366 cities monitored, 80 percent that showed pollution levels higher than the national standards pinned the blame on coal consumption. According to the report, China allows for a yearly average of 35 micrograms per cubic metre compared to the annual WHO standard of 10 micrograms per cubic metre. None of the cities was able to meet WHO standards.

According to the survey, the nation's capital, Beijing, ranked 27th in the most polluted city with an average of 80.4 micrograms per cubic metre although it has already decreased by 3.3 percent.

Towards the end of the year in 2015, Beijing had 26 days of heavy air pollution.

Meanwhile, the industrial heartland of Hebei province was China's second most polluted city in 2015 with an average of 107 micrograms per cubic metre.

The most polluted city with an average of 119.1 micrograms per cubic metre was Kashgar near the Pakistan border along the far western region of Xinjiang. The city is often hit by dust and sand storms.

In an accompanying statement by Greenpeace, the main reason for the heavy smog in Beijing and the neighbouring areas this winter was the wind and humidity conditions.

The Greenpeace data was based on official data from China's Ministry of Environmental Protection.

TagsGreenpeace, China Air Pollution, Beijing Air Pollution, China PM2.5 air pollution, China environmental pollution, Coal Power Plants