In case you were wondering what it would have been like to live during the 19th century, present day China has been holding a live demo.

More details:
http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2011/12/chinese-smog-disaster-rouses-chinese-media/249533/

Larger version of photo:
http://cdn.theatlantic.com/static/mt/assets/jamesfallows/assets_c/2011/12/ChinaDailySMog-71227.php