Any Southern Californians out there

[Vinyasa]

LA and Houston tend to go neck and neck as to the worst air quality in the US which is nothing compared to this. There is no getting used to this - it is taking years off our lifes.

[redxalonso]

I've lived in LA for 20 years and you are right, the air over there is prestine compared to the shit we take in here.

You'll be fine once you get your lungs dirty. For the first 6 months, I was having breathing problems but got over it.

[Sleuth]

LA and Houston tend to go neck and neck as to the worst air quality in the US which is nothing compared to this. There is no getting used to this - it is taking years off our lifes.

That's what I am afraid of. Here's hoping somebody invents the replacement lung.

[Vinyasa]

I am trying to find a good air-filter mask.
Honeycomb ACF pollution mask looks like the best out there.

[Sleuth]

I assume that anything that works in a paint booth wil also work on the pollution. But you will look like an extra from a sci-fi movie.
Plus Beijing is warning against wearing these masks during the Olympics as it will embarass the host country.

[Vinyasa]

LOL - I have considered the fact I most likely will be uncomfortable and that I will draw attention but have not considered that I would embarrass the PRC. I am more health conscious than the average person so I can accept standing out and any discomfort - but I am not so uptight that I can't live here. I just don't want to look back in 20 years when I have cancer and say I could have taken better preventative measures.

[KnowItAll]

My problem with the pollution in Beijing unfortunately cannot be solved by a mask.... my eye burn the moment I step out of the hotel and onto the streets. Used to go through a bottle of systane to ensure that my eyes stay clean.

[Sleuth]

Yes, first your eyes sting , then you can taste it in your mouth and eventualy your voice gets a little raspy and then you start coughing.
good thing you have given up travelling, KIA.