I am traveling to Beijing, Shanghai, September 1-14, 2014, should I worry about the air pollution?

According to the previous records, pollution do not happen always, so please do not worry.

Could you show me where can I find this record you are talking about? Thanks?

I am currently in Beijing & have fallen foul of so-called Beijing Cough. I heard air pollution is at it's worse Dec - April but I haven't researched that personally. The meds (painkillers) I was prescribed here to help the resulting raw throat from all the coughing are useless. I recommend you bring decent face masks (not disposable ones), a double supply of your usual painkillers, plenty of throat lozenges & some form of tea such as honey & lemon, honey & ginger. Basically, prepare for having the worse cold EVER then triple the supplies per person! Lozenges/syrup meant for a tickly cough are best, because that's the main symptom. None of this stuff will prevent/cure Beijing Cough, but they help relieve the symptoms. According to the doctor I saw, the only true cure was to leave Beijing!

Now, you may get lucky & not fall foul of air pollution issues here (not everyone does) but at least if you bring back-up you're prepared!

But don't take it as Doom & Gloom....I am loving Beijing, and it's worth the irritants to spend something time in this historical city!