(ECNS) -- Seven out of 10 people feel blue on smoggy days and 73 percent have thoughts of ditching cities plagued by serious air pollution, according to a survey by China Youth Daily.
The survey, which canvassed 2,001 respondents, found that 14 percent had already moved to cities with better air quality, 41 percent constantly considered leaving a polluted city, and 32.8 percent occasionally thought about moving to another city.
Nearly 48 percent said current government efforts to fight air pollution were not enough, and 77.2 percent called for improving air quality to avoid brain drain.
More than 71 percent said they would choose low-carbon commuting options, such as taking public transportation, for the sake of improved air quality.
The survey also showed that more than 71 percent wear face masks on polluted days and 52.6 percent chose to reduce time outdoors. Some 14 percent said they increased their frequency of showers.
It also found that more than 60 percent regarded air purifiers as a living necessity and 41 percent already had such machines in their homes, while another 40 percent planned to purchase them. Nearly 80 percent said offices should be equipped with air purifiers.
However, in the survey only 16 percent said the devices were very helpful, 65.3 percent, somewhat helpful, while for the rest they were useless or seen as having a "placebo effect."
A 23-year-old postgraduate has bought an air purifier for her dormitory at a university in Beijing, saying she experienced pungent smells on heavily polluted days.
Zhao Jing, a native of Shangqiu City in Henan Province who is studying in Beijing and plans to graduate next year, said she will choose to work in a southern city, because for her it's very important to breathe fresh air every day.
