The smog can be seen from space London - Arabstoday Air pollution in the Chinese capital Beijing has reached levels judged as hazardous by the World Health Organization. Hospitals saw a 30 percent spike in respiratory-related admissions on Monday following a weekend of off-the-charts pollution. The poor air quality has been headline news for much of this week as campaigners claimed that thousands of people are dying prematurely due to its effects. The territory's leader, CY Leung, is expected to announce strategies for improving the situation today in his first policy speech. The independent group Civic Exchange has estimated that roadside pollution from diesel vehicles is responsible for around 3,200 premature deaths per year in Hong Kong alone. Residents complain of consistently itchy and watery eyes, running noses, persistent sneezing, bacterial and viral infections, and prolonged exposure causing tumours. Demand for face masks and air purifiers is at an all time high as the public try to protect themselves from the effects of the smog. Beijing News Daily called on Tuesday for “protecting the public's health form this urgent and real problem.” The newspaper said “Individual citizens in some cities are desperate because they have not received any useful from help local governments except being warned to stay indoors and canceling outdoor school activities.”