PM2.5 (particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometer or less) suspended in the atmosphere because of high levels of pollution turns the healthy lungs of rats black within six days, according to an experiment. This online rumor has created panic among the public. A day after the rumor hit the Internet, people who conducted the study defended themselves even while saying that they had injected suspended particulate matter into the lungs of the rats. The amount of suspended particulate matter injected into the rats could be thousands of times more than what a human being would inhale in the normal course of time. Therefore, it is important that the public checks the facts to avoid falling prey to rumors, says an article in the People's Daily. Excerpts:

The smog blanketing many Chinese cities in recent times has made people edgy and sensitive to news about the damage caused by polluted air. Some people are using this public sensitivity to spread rumors.

People need to check their health on the basis of scientific evidence. As the saying goes, "fear comes from the unknown". So people should not let their unwarranted fears give shelter to rumors.

Previous reports have shown that another 20 years are needed to make Chinese people literate in terms of scientific knowledge - to the level of Canada, Japan and other developed countries. Without scientific knowledge, it is difficult for people to avoid unnecessary worries.

To raise people's scientific literacy level, the government has to timely intervene and make the public aware of the facts. Timely dissemination of information is the first step toward eradicating scientific ignorance and superstition.

Also, if the media are more meticulous, checking facts before reporting, they can provide proper guidance to the public and help them avoid baseless worries.

(China Daily 11/26/2013 page9)