A senior World Health Organization official has suggested that Chinese governments shoulder more responsibility in helping poor people combat the negative effects of smog.

Bernhard Schwartlander, the WHO China Representative, made the remarks in an interview with China Daily about recent bouts of heavy smog in Beijing and surrounding regions.

"The government carries the responsibility to protect people's health from hazards," he said, highlighting the plight of those poor who are unable to buy costly air purifiers.