Beijing pollution levels have soared to the worst in months on Thursday (January 16), reaching hazardous levels.<br/> <br />Morning traffic was shrouded in thick smog. Four highways had to be closed.<br/> <br />Commuters wore masks, fearing they could get sick.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) 25-YEAR-OLD TV PRODUCER MI XI SAYING:<br/> <br />"For instance, personally I have nasal inflammation, and today it's really bad. Often I worry that the air pollution is harming me."<br/> <br />Heavy pollution has taken its toll on Beijing residents.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin) DOCTOR LAN WENXIAN SAYING:<br/> <br />"The pollution is really bad. Recently I have had a bad cold all the time, have difficulty breathing and the phlegm that I cough up is black. I'm planning to leave Beijing. I don't want to stay here."<br/> <br />Authorities will begin imposing limits on car traffic, construction and manufacturing if three consecutive days of hazardous pollution are forecast.<br/> <br />To curb pollution, the city will also start using gas i
