A group of citizens from Beijing is suing the Chinese government for costs and damages brought about by smog. They have sought legal representation for compensation for smog and buying masks, doctor's fees and emotional distress.
The citizens who are suing the Chinese government have itemized the expenses and demands the Beijing local government to pay. Cheng Hai, the group's lawyer, said that he and other lawyers want the city to take action on the worsening air quality in Beijing and surrounding cities.
Cheng said, "Some people might think that air pollution is inevitable with economic development, but they are wrong. We have laws to protect air quality, and major pollution can be avoided if they are fully enforced."
The government has stepped up on what is called "war on pollution" by Premier Li Keqiang. Factories have been shut down and emissions from vehicles are being monitored.
Since 2013, the Ministry of Environmental Protection has been monitoring air pollution levels and enforcing the law. Many companies have been punished due to non-compliance.
However, the city still has bad air and has particles that are considered unsafe by the World Health Organization.
Yu Wensheng is one of the lawyers who thinks that the people are suffering from the government's carelessness.
He said, "Our bodies are being harmed because of the ineffectiveness of our government; because of their inaction and carelessness, we suffer," Yu told the Guardian. "The pollution has affected my family, my son is coughing, I'm also coughing, and I feel the smog caused this. I am suing as a victim."
"We are the victims of smog and we are entitled to ask for an apology and compensation from the government," he added.
Victims from Hebei are also filing complaints. Lu Tingge is suing the government and is seeking compensation for his mother who now has respiratory disease.
He wants monetary compensation of 10 yuan ($1.50) for masks, 5,000 yuan for "spiritual damage" and an official apology for harming his life.