In the past, when air pollution was severe, Xiaobian came across a news article that caught his attention. It told the story of someone who took action against smog in a unique and practical way.
On New Year’s Day 2014, many people started checking the Air Quality Index (AQI) along with the weather forecast. In Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, a young "post-80s" individual named Fang Da used WeChat to share scientific knowledge about air pollution and how to protect oneself from it.
On December 30th, an article titled “Is it occlusion or flicker? The eight ‘Flood Prevention’ masks†went viral on WeChat circles, sparking widespread interest among netizens. Fang Da, a 29-year-old Hangzhou native, had collected eight popular masks—both domestic and imported—and conducted a detailed comparison of their filtration efficiency, material quality, and comfort during use.
He found that some domestic masks didn’t fit well, allowing unfiltered air to seep through, which reduced their effectiveness. In contrast, certain imported models met European standards and could filter more than 80% of PM0.3 particles, with even better performance for PM2.5. His findings were simple yet powerful, making them easy for the public to understand.
Fang Da, a regular cyclist, noticed that frequent haze days were seriously affecting his training. Riding through polluted air left him with a sore throat and made him anxious about his health. To combat this, he spent over 8,000 yuan on an indoor air purifier, but he knew it was just a temporary solution.
“Hiding isn’t the answer,†he said. From then on, he entered a “fighting mode.†At home, he installed professional air purifiers in four different rooms, including one that cost over 10,000 yuan. He also bought a Dylos air quality detector to monitor PM2.5 levels in real time.
“I’ve invested nearly 80,000 yuan in air purification equipment, but I think it’s worth it for my health,†he said. Over time, he became known among friends as the “smog expert†due to his deep understanding of air quality and protective measures.
In November 2013, he launched a WeChat public account called “The Smog Survival Manual.†The platform covers topics like identifying smog symptoms, proper mask usage, choosing the right air purifier, and even historical lessons from London’s smog crisis.
Every day, Fang Da spends two to three hours researching and testing air quality in various environments—subway stations, cars, homes, and outdoor areas. He records his experiments through videos and images, then compiles them into informative posts.
His content quickly gained traction. Within the first month, the account reached over 10,000 followers, and by early December 2013, it was growing by thousands daily. While he felt proud of the support, he also felt the anxiety and helplessness of many people facing the same issue.
Today, Fang Da dedicates most of his time to maintaining the “Smog Survival Manual.†He believes that online communities can raise awareness about environmental issues and empower people to make informed decisions. “With rational thinking and knowledge, we can survive any crisis.â€
He is not alone in this mission. He has gathered a group of like-minded individuals to help maintain the account. “If the public account becomes irrelevant, that would be the best sign—that smog is no longer a problem.â€
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