PM2.5 information will be monitored and published next year in 17 cities of Shandong Province, including Jinan, Qingdao, Zibo,?according to its environmental protection department.

New equipment is required to sync with existing technology to monitor PM2.5, air particulate with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less. PM2.5 particles can penetrate the lungs or even enter the blood stream.

Before the automatic monitoring standards are released nationally, Shandong will follow those of the international community, according to dzwww.com, a Jinan-based news website.

The province will publish air quality readings every month. "Blue sky, white clouds and shining stars" will be some of the index designations used.

It hopes by 2015 pollution readings will be 20 percent lower than those in 2010.

Shandong is?one of?the 12 top areas in China for economic development, large population and serious air pollution problems. Monitoring PM2.5 should encourage governments at all levels and enterprises to intensify their pollution control,?according to?the department.