We are all aware that the air pollution in Beijing often makes a dirty weekend away in a Shanxi coke plant seem like a tempter but I’m struggling to take the World Health Organization’s recent warnings to Olympic spectators seriously. I say that, of course, with zero medical evidence to back up my scepticism.
As reported in the Daily Telegraph:
High levels of air pollution in Beijing could damage the health of many spectators at next years Olympic Games, a leading World Health Organisation expert has warned.
Dr Michal Krzyzanowski, said that air quality was so bad in the Chinese capital that those with a history of heart problems and those suffering from asthma should be aware they could be harmed.
And in response to the four-day car removal project:
However, Dr Krzyzanowski, an expert in air quality, doubted the measures would be effective in the long term and said the WHO still feared for the health of many of those planning to attend the Games.
“I’d be amazed if substantial progress is made in the next 12 months,” he said, pointing out that Beijing’s problems are not just created locally.
“It’s possible the beneficial effect of cutting the traffic in the city will be compensated by the transport of pollution from other parts of China.”
“Even by the standards of Asia, Chinese cities are pretty highly polluted,” he said.
“Those who come with asthma may suffer attacks. I would be concerned for those who have some cardiac condition,” he added.
“This might be more serious as it requires a much more specialised medical response.”
Presumably, these warnings are applicable to all tourists with asthma and heart problems who choose to visit Beijing over the next year and not just those who decide to sit in Olympic venues for a few days in August. So should we expect general travel warnings to be issued by the WHO about the dangers of visiting Beijing (when all the cars will be on the roads) and indeed other grubby capital cities like Mexico City?
Asthmatic spectators watching beach volleyball in Chaoyang Park can console themselves by remembering that British marathon runner Paula Radcliffe, herself an asthma sufferer, will be running 26 miles and 385 yards through the streets of Beijing. As relayed in the Scotsman, she is taking it all in her stride:
Radcliffe, who famously broke down during the marathon at the last Games in Athens, is leaving nothing to chance in her bid for her first Olympic gold medal.
The 33-year-old suffers from exercise-induced asthma, and Lough admits that she may have to switch the medicine she takes because of the pollution in Beijing.
“She may have to adapt her doses or medication - but as long as we’ve done enough research and thought about it, we hope it won’t be an issue,” he said.
“There’s no point in us being especially concerned, because pollution’s not really something you can control.”
Lough added: “We’ve known about this issue for a while, and it hasn’t influenced Paula’s decision to compete in the marathon at all. You should respect conditions - whether it’s hot, cold or polluted - but never fear them.
Fine advice for beach volleyball fans.
The Lazy Aussie | 19-Aug-07 at 9:54 pm | Permalink
Those with heart conditions may also have to fear the massive rivers of pork flowing into the ancient capital. Trying to breath with a gobful of zhu rou may be even more difficult.
cat | 20-Aug-07 at 6:44 am | Permalink
I think reports that suggest the air will be bad in Beijing next year are fairly ridiculous - either based on ignorance or downright dishonesty. Of course the air will be clean because all the factories in the provinces surrounding Beijing will have to shut down during the Olympics. That won’t help us for all the other weeks in the year, though.
chriswaugh_bj | 20-Aug-07 at 9:55 am | Permalink
And pollution or no pollution, north China’s relatively dry climate and lack of allergens is likely to make life easier for asthma and allergy sufferers. It’s been known for years and years and years that asthmatics are better off living in arid areas.
And I’d like to second what both Lazy Aussie and Cat say.
Danwei | 20-Aug-07 at 5:37 pm | Permalink
Hot air from WHO…
From The Daily Telegraph : Olympics spectators warned over air in Beijing High levels of air pollution…
The Lazy Aussie | 20-Aug-07 at 6:09 pm | Permalink
We all know that they can shut the factories and order vehicles off the road at will, so it comes down to whether it will work or not. The fact that you do often get the best skies on Sunday and Monday when more cars have been off the street, makes me think it should make a huge difference.