After weeks of mostly dreary weather with only brief glimpses of the sun, we had a sun-filled day yesterday. The temperature was warm and we headed to Big Wave Bay, a nearby beach. The sand and sun were terrific, yet the sky was hazy and visibility was low. The sun was out again today, but the visibility was worse and the air felt heavy…and it can’t be blamed on the humidity: it is air pollution.
In Kansas, air pollution certainly exists and most people know that things like exhaust fumes, methane, and smoke stacks aren’t good for the environment. Yet, I would guess that most people don’t think about air quality on a daily (or even regular) basis – because they can’t see it.
In Hong Kong we have learned – and can see – what very polluted air is like. There are air quality monitors set up around the city and an “air pollution index” (API) that is closely followed by the government and media. When there is an API reading of more than 100, pollution is considered very high and the government recommends that people with respiratory issues should stay indoors. Hong Kong has one of those days out of every eight days!
Today the API was the worst since the government started collecting the data in 1995. In some places, the API was over 400. Recess was held indoors at Lydia’s school; all outdoor after school activities were cancelled.
We live in one of the least polluted areas in the city. Still, the pollution today was very noticeable. Here is a photo from our balcony on a clear day…
In Kansas, air pollution certainly exists and most people know that things like exhaust fumes, methane, and smoke stacks aren’t good for the environment. Yet, I would guess that most people don’t think about air quality on a daily (or even regular) basis – because they can’t see it.
In Hong Kong we have learned – and can see – what very polluted air is like. There are air quality monitors set up around the city and an “air pollution index” (API) that is closely followed by the government and media. When there is an API reading of more than 100, pollution is considered very high and the government recommends that people with respiratory issues should stay indoors. Hong Kong has one of those days out of every eight days!
Today the API was the worst since the government started collecting the data in 1995. In some places, the API was over 400. Recess was held indoors at Lydia’s school; all outdoor after school activities were cancelled.
We live in one of the least polluted areas in the city. Still, the pollution today was very noticeable. Here is a photo from our balcony on a clear day…
and one from today…
“Fortunately” a cause for this severe bout of pollution has been identified. It’s the result of a sandstorm in China. There have been lots of articles on it today – even in Business Week and the New York Times. Luckily, it’s expected to dissipate in the next few days.
Pollution is definitely one of the most negative aspects of living in Hong Kong. No doubt we will have a far greater appreciation for good air quality when we get back to Kansas City (even the worst day there is better than this!). If you live somewhere with clean air, be sure to enjoy it!
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