In the twenty or so years we lived in Hong Kong, whether it be on the Island, or out in the comparatively clean Sai Kung, the air quality deteriorated.    I recall walking up Ma On Shan with a neighbour, the mountain being so high you are able to rise above the pollution which you can then see as an orange brown haze settled across the territory.

Singapore Tim sent me this article from the South China Morning Post - it seems things continue to deteriorate....

"Twently-two people were sent to hospital yesterday, two remaining in critical conditions last night, after taking part in Hong Kong's biggest marathon amid the worst air pollution since September.

Many of the record 40,000 runners complained the "choking" air affected their performance in the 10th annual Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, half-marathon and 10km events.

One competitor, surnamed Chu, 33, is in a critical condition in Ruttonjee Hospital after collapsing near the finish in Wan Chai. Chu stopped breathing and was resuscitated at the scene before being taken to hospital.

The second runner in critical condition collapsed in Tsing Yi. The man, surnamed Tsang, 53, is in Princess Margaret Hospital.

The air pollution index reached a ...   more »