Beijing Olympic National Stadium In Smog Watch

The Bird's Nest national stadium is shrouded in smog, considering that the opening ceremony of 2008 Beijing Olympic Games is just eight days to go.

Despite last-ditch attempts to turn the smokey and dusty Chinese capital into the promised pollution-free Olympic venue, the Olympic Green is frequently barely visible through the haze.

The Beijing Ministry for Environmental Protection had not updated its figures on Thursday, still showing the Chinese Air Pollution Index (API) from Wednesday (July 30), which was API 90. This figure is valid from 1200 the day before until 1200 local (0300 GMT) the present day. This is grade two and counts as a "blue sky day".

The authorities have ordered many cars off roads and halted much construction and factory production in an effort to cut smog before the Games open on August 8.

Pollution has been one of the biggest worries for Games organizers who have said they may reschedule endurance events to prevent health risks to athletes.

FYI - 2008 Beijing Olympic Sports