Job Discussion Forums

[Akakage]

I was offered a tech Job in Hong Kong and was really gung-ho to go until I did some research and found out that Hong Kong has the same problem as the rest of mainland China...pollution. Air pollution has already prevented me from taking a teaching job in China, I'm hoping it won't do the same for Hong Kong. I have asthma (mild) and I was wondering if anyone hear is also an asthmatic. If so, how do you cope with the pollution? Is it really as bad as everyone says? How does it affect you're everyday life? Even if you're not an asthmatic, I'd appreciate any thoughts you may have on the subject.

[Marcoregano]

People seem to be affected differently by the pollution, whether asthmatic or not. It certainly affects me - I've developed a tickly cough and constant cattargh at the back of my throat, both of which stay with me moreorless all year round. A lot of people I know suffer similarly, but then again, some are relatively unaffected. I think the only way of finding out is to come and give it a go.

If you're especially concerned about it, come out for a couple of weeks and see if it affects you. Bear in mind also that some times of year are worse than others. Generally the summer months (April-October) are less polluted as the prevailing winds are from the south or southeast - from the sea. However, this week the weather is gorgeous - sunny, clear and cool by HK standards, with clean winds from the north. Winds from the west bring pollutants from the PRD. Also bad is no wind at all, which means we stew in our own traffic pollution - and that happens quite a bit. Still, the pollution here is nowhere near as bad as in many parts of China.

[once again]

If you have better alternatives,don't come to HK if you are worried about the pollution. It is horrendous at times. The air can be thick with smog and visibility is seriously impaired. Many people, locals and expats alike, suffer from respiratory and allergy complaints because of it. I was recently at a meeting with government sponsored bodies...and during a break..we all discussed which anti-histamines and medication we were taking!
It is not a good place for health

[Akakage]

Thanks for your responses. I'm gonna give it a go and see how things work out.