air pollution

Old waste incinerator technology will threaten health of HK people

Professor Tony Hedley is an expert on Hong Kong air pollution and health; recently retired from being Chair Professor of Community Medicine at the University of Hong Kong. Here's excerpt of an email he sent regarding Hong Kong government's plans to build a mega-incinerator on artificial island by Shek Kwu Chau:

Submitted by Martin Williams on 6 January 2012 - 8:45am

Plan for incinerator island by Shek Kwu Chau environmentally unacceptable

The choice of building an incinerator on a specially constructed artificial island by Shek Kwu Chau is not justified on any scientific basis, and is environmentally unacceptable.

Submitted by Martin Williams on 17 March 2011 - 11:40am

More people die when Hong Kong air dirtier

Press Release from Clean Air Network:

Quote:
NEW HKU VISIBILITY STUDY CONFIRMS WORST FEARS ABOUT HONG KONG’S DIMINISHING VISIBILITY
A new study unveiled today by HKU’s Department of Community Medicine demonstrates that there is a direct link between visibility and the health impacts of air pollution.
Until now, scientists have had to rely on epidemiological research (illness in communities), clinical observation (sick people needing care), and molecular biology, to determine the health effects of air pollution. Now, however, environmentalists and public health experts have a new way to measure the potential damage from air pollution.
The study, which was conducted by the University of Hong Kong’s School of Public Health, shows that, for every loss of 6.5 kilometers of visibility, there is a 1.13 percent increase in all natural causes of death, accounting for about 450 deaths per year.

Submitted by Martin Williams on 19 January 2011 - 4:02pm

Hong Kong 2010 air pollution worst ever

smog shrouded kowloon hillsFrom Bloomberg:

Quote:
'Hong Kong will record the worst year for roadside pollution since the city started collecting readings in 1999, according to calculations made by Bloomberg based on government data.

Submitted by Martin Williams on 24 December 2010 - 2:36pm

Filthy air makes more Hong Kongers consider leaving

Civic Exchange press release:

Quote:
Opinion survey shows more people considering emigration due to air pollution.
The public highlights roadside pollution and government inaction as key concerns

Submitted by Martin Williams on 1 December 2010 - 10:26pm

Clean Air Initiative for Asian cities launches new website

Email from Clean Air Initiative for Asian cities:

Submitted by Martin Williams on 17 February 2010 - 12:28pm

Public consultation re HK Air Quality Objectives

Government press release here; you can add your views. Questionable whether health really is key goal in setting objectives, rather than not doing much that might cause ructions in big business whilst appearing to make an effort, and using WHO targets to help befuddle people - might sound good, but these can be far from WHO guidelines re pollutant levels that may be safe.

Submitted by Martin Williams on 9 August 2009 - 10:35am

Hong Kong Clean Air Network founded

Hong Kong Outdoors is among the associate members of the newly formed Clean Air Network - CAN. Info on CAN:

Quote:
What is the Clean Air Network?

The Clean Air Network is an independent NGO being formed with the aim of encouraging the public to speak out on the health impacts of air pollution.

Submitted by Martin Williams on 24 July 2009 - 3:33pm

Proposed Hong Kong Air Quality Objectives Not Focused on Public Health

Yesterday, I went to the forum on proposals for Hong Kong's new Air Quality Objectives; there was presentation by Ove Arup (consultant paid by govt, to come up with new Air Quality Objectives). Began with presentation re proposals - which had been criticised in Legislative Council yesterday; and after a break, there was chance for people to ask consultants questions, and to make various points.

What of the proposals and discussion?

Ooh dear; I barely know where to start. But overall, the proposals are not science based, and do not make health the overriding factor in determining new Air Quality Objectives.

Various points:

Proposed Hong Kong Air Quality Objectives Not Focused on Public Health

We were told improving public health was main aim of new objectives. Yet, this appeared to be a load of baloney. The info we were given in handouts barely mentioned health - just said there would be acute and chronic health benefits; nothing re numbers of deaths today, reductions anticipated. Health benefits seemed to be just included in some economic benefits figures - as if people are nothing but financial items, to be included in profit and loss accounts.

One of researchesrs from HK Univ School of Community Medicine stood up, and said he and colleagues had made estimates of numbers of people falling sick and dying with air of standard of objectives: figures for deaths/illness I noticed were higher than for 2007!!

Submitted by Martin Williams on 21 March 2009 - 10:35am

Forum on HK Air Quality Objectives 20 March 09

Received today from Civic Exchange; seems well worth trying to get to the forum.

The Environmental Protection Department is planning to present its new air quality objectives (AQOs) to the public at an open forum on Friday 20th March (in the afternoon). This is very short notice, which will make it difficult for many people to come, especially as it is during business hours. So please try to hold this time slot open now if you plan to attend.

Submitted by Martin Williams on 4 March 2009 - 8:25pm
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