Air quality in Hong Kong and the impact of pollution on health 1988-1997

Hong Kong's air quality is similar in many ways to that of other capitals and major urban centres around the world; therefore, epidemiological studies in Hong Kong may contribute to the global evidence on the relationship between air pollution and health. This chapter summarizes some studies of air pollution and impacts on health in Hong Kong, as they may provide an indication of impacts in other similar cities. The studies found that overall, the relative risks for health effects of pollution, including admissions for all respiratory disease, asthma and lung disease, showed higher excess risks for all age groups than results for Western European cities using similar methodologies. Similar findings were madefor hospital deaths. Pollution is now responsible for eroding the previously gained economic advantages of Asia, which have resulted in improved population health. However, policy-makers can be confident that controls on pollution sources will, in addition to arresting degradation of the environment, bring about measurable improvements in health, particularly in children and the elderly. Pollution controls will reduce premature deaths in the chronically sick and elderly and thereby reduce avoidable morbidity and mortality and associated hospital costs.