SHIJIAZHUANG - Education authorities in the northern Chinese city of Shijiazhuang, capital of Hebei Province, announced Wednesday they would install air purifiers in schools to protect students from pollution.

The municipal education department of Shijiazhuang, which is among the most polluted cities nationwide, said the pilot program targets some kindergartens, primary and middle schools in the urban areas.

The department said it would install the equipment at more schools after advice from a third-party agency.

Higher awareness of the health effects of air pollution has prompted cities in northern China to install air purifiers in schools.

A week ago, Zhengzhou, capital of central China's Henan Province, announced that air purifiers would be installed in all its schools and kindergartens.
Beijing earlier this month also urged districts to begin to install purification systems.