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New | Who’s cashing in while China chokes?

Here are some of the companies and entrepreneurs seizing on the business opportunities created by China’s chronic air pollution

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A man wearing a face mask walks on a footbridge as buildings shrouded in haze stands in the background in Beijing, China, on Friday, Jan. 6, 2017. Toxic haze that settled over much of China during the last three weeks has triggered a flight reflex among residents, leading to the rising popularity of smog avoidance travel packages to far-flung locations such as Iceland and Antarctica. Photo: Bloomberg

Who’s cashing in on China’s smog?

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The pungent air smothering China’s major cities has raised concerns for millions of residents over the long term health effects on the elderly, the infirm and the young. For now, some entrepreneurs are turning crisis into opportunity.

Product: “Anti-smog” tea

Company: Uni-President China Holdings Ltd.

The Taiwan instant noodles producer and soft drinks bottler launched a tea called Lilai Wusan (梨來霧散), which is a concoction of pear juice, honey, dried chrysanthemums and mint essence that “moistens the lungs and combats smog.”

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“You will not have to wear face masks if you bring me along,” an advertisement said, a claim that hasn’t been endorsed by doctors.
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