Pollution link to surge in breathing problems

Experts call for total smoking ban and action on emissions after six-fold rise in elderly with respiratory complaints

The number of elderly people complaining of respiratory problems has risen six-fold in 12 years, a survey has found, with experts saying pollution is a significant factor contributing to the rise.

A team of respiratory experts has urged the government to quickly implement a total smoking ban in Hong Kong to improve air quality. They also blamed emissions from vehicles and power plants as well as pollutants from the Pearl River Delta for the deteriorating respiratory condition of people in the city.

The comparative survey, carried out by Chinese University and the Hong Kong Lung Foundation, indicated that 30 per cent of elderly people over the age of 70 in 2003 complained about breathing problems, wheezing and coughing when they were exposed to irritants - compared with only 4.9 per cent in 1991.

Sensitivity to irritants, including perfume, showed the respiratory function of the elderly was deteriorating because of prolonged exposure to pollution, said Fanny Ko Wai-san, a specialist in respiratory medicine at Chinese University.

Complaints by elderly people about breathing problems during the night or when they were at rest were 7.2 per cent and 12.3 per cent, respectively, in 2003 - double the rate of 3.6 per cent and 5.2 per cent 12 years ago.

Those with tightness of the chest in the morning doubled from 4.2 per cent in 1991 to 8.8 per cent in 2003.