Hong Kong Smog effects on Health

I read something about the recent marathon in HK and how so many people got sick from running in record pollution and this is very concerning.


Can any medical authority provide information on the risks of breathing the appalling smog in HK?


It seems the government nor anyone else is providing information on the real impact. Probably because the property developers, InvestHK and business dont want such information to get out because that would make the HK economy suffer.


If it were you and you had the choice to move to HK with your family to work would you turn down the opportunity because of the health risks with living here?


Are there any areas of HK that are "safe" or at least safer to live


I'd appreciate if someone could provide some straight answers on this.

Lots of information on the effects of smog in HK, but very little will come from medics or government. Basically, in a nutshell, increasing pollution brings with it a measureable increase in deaths, and a measureable increase in illness, especially repsiratory disease.


There are no areas in Hong Kong that are free of pollution, but some are less polluted than others. In general, higher up the residence, the less the pollution. If a hill range separates you from main pollution, then you will have less pollution if the prevailing winds are favourable. Sai Kung is in general a bit cleaner.


There is a lot you can do to minimise or even clear pollution at work and home. Out on the streets, the only method you have is a proper mask such as Respro (TM) - forget/do not use the simple masks even the good ones. They are of no use.


EMail if you want more info.