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Tougher stand against slavery long overdue
 The growing anti-slavery movement within Hong Kong needs more impetus. Over the years we have read articles in newspapers and watched reports on television but frustratingly, they  remain just articles and reports. 
Hong Kong would benefit from something better than repetitive material that has been regurgitated so many times that it is now having a negative effect. 
The  article "Break the chain"  (January 24)  is accurate, even though  the numbers of slaves and profits are only estimates from research. 
Slavery in Hong Kong is being addressed by many individuals and more than 20 support services, all of which are  looking for opportunities to work alongside the government, as well as the police and immigration authorities. 
Schools, colleges and universities are now active and are supporting  one another's initiatives because they believe in and support equality of human rights.
Since 2009, Hong Kong has sadly maintained a "Tier 2" ranking in the US State Department Trafficking in Persons report,   alongside Ethiopia, India, Nepal and the Philippines.  
Individuals and groups need the media to support their activities collectively and with more serious intent so that this great city can create a specific law against human trafficking that will support the protection of victims and disable those who profit from the illicit trading and exploitation of people. 
There are systems in place that will allow Hong Kong to catch up with the rest of the world with this issue and we must work collaboratively with government if the opportunity is not going to be wasted, as it was  over a decade ago when the momentum petered out. I refer to the research completed by Robyn Emerton at  the University of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong has an obligation under international law to protect everyone within its territory. 
Awareness  of slavery, exploitation and human trafficking has increased significantly over the years and now Hong Kong is ready for the next push towards honouring that obligation. 
An upgrade to Tier 1 in the 2015  Trafficking in Persons report needs a sustainable effort, collaboration and more impetus from all sectors of Hong Kong society.
David McCracken, Sha Tin
Stay alert and keep fit to beat the flu virus
 I am  concerned about the  severity of  the peak flu season  this winter. 
 According to  news reports,  81 deaths related to  influenza were recorded  in the previous month.   However,  surveys conducted  have shown that  people's health awareness  in  recent years was sharply reduced compared with the  severe acute respiratory syndrome period in 2003. 
 Although our medical services and technology  have noticeably improved during the past decade, we should never be  apathetic towards flu and diseases.  Viruses  can mutate  and become more transmissible or  more aggressive in causing illness, which makes our influenza vaccine less effective.
 In fact, preserving good personal hygiene and adopting a healthy lifestyle are the keys to fighting  flu.  We should adopt habits such as  washing hands frequently and wearing a mask while  sick.
   Having a balanced diet and regular exercise are also vital in maintaining  health.
  Hongkongers must stand firm together and  stay alert to  keep the flu virus at bay. Influenza is becoming more  serious in Hong Kong,  and we should never overlook the harm it brings.  
Rocky Lee, Hung Hom
Dirty air key factor in lung cancer risk
 In reference to the story, "Hongkongers' lifestyles to blame for 18pc rise in cancer deaths over decade"  (February 4),  it is ludicrous that Hong Kong's filthy air was not also blamed as a cause, especially since the story reported that the greatest number of cancer deaths and new incidences were due to lung cancer.
The World Health Organisation  classifies air pollution as cancer causing. It states that lung cancer risk increases with "increasing levels of exposure to particulate matter".
Annual average particulate levels in Hong Kong are much higher than the WHO health safety guidelines of 20 micrograms per cubic metre for coarse particulate matter (PM10) and 10 micrograms per cubic metre for fine particulate matter (PM2.5).  In 2010, Hong Kong's annual averages of 45 for PM10 and 21 for PM2.5  were more than double the WHO guidelines.  
Hong Kong's particulate pollution was higher than any city in Australia, Canada, or the US, except for Calgary, Canada, and Fresno, California, US.   
Unfortunately, it may be easier to educate the portion of the population living unhealthy lifestyles on how to change their bad health habits than it will be to convince Hong Kong's government leaders to adopt laws and take action to clean up our environment to improve the health of all of us.
Dante Archangeli, Pok Fu Lam
ParknShop fails online delivery test
I can't believe  the drop  in standard for ParknShop delivery. In one online order received late last month,  I found to my shock that I was  given two packs of  frozen chicken thighs out of  five packs that were clearly off-coloured and had a clearance sticker on the pack with a reduced price of $20 stuck on it.  
I immediately called the ParknShop delivery hotline number.  Not once was I offered a replacement for the near expiring and clearance items delivered. In the end I had to  ask for a replacement.
 This got me wondering how often ParknShop  delivers food that is close to expiration. 
I have been using this service for many years now and had placed my trust that the food I ordered online would have a long shelf life as it is supposedly delivered straight from the warehouse.
 I am quite sure many consumers like myself do not check the expiry dates on the items they purchase online. 
I am deeply disappointed by the lack of concern that meat with a clearance and reduced price sticker was delivered to me.  
Karen Thorne, Clearwater Bay
Threat to our coral cannot  be ignored
  Corals in Hong Kong waters have been under threat for years and the government can do a lot to remind the public about the importance of coral conservation. I would like to suggest some ways. 
 The government can  organise some beach or coral visits in some of the marine parks and marine reserves such as the well-known Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park.  
Apart from  these tours, the government  could  run some funfairs to promote the idea of conservation. Conservation is not only  for coral, but also other natural resources  such as red mangrove.
 On its websites, the government, especially the Environmental Protection Department,  could upload some environmental protection and coral conservation information. 
 Increasingly, children  easily access the internet,  so the government websites should include some online games for them to play. This would help get the message across to children as they  have fun.
 Commercial advertising reaches many people. The government   could require some companies to print  advertisements  promoting coral conservation on  related product  packaging such as sunscreen, anti-UV clothing and other beachwear. 
In addition,  companies can cooperate with the government for some discount or membership promotion to  offer some benefits for  those Hongkongers who actively  fight to save  our precious corals.  
 It's important to help protect Hong Kong's coral. If  they die, the whole marine system and food chain will be destroyed, killing off other sea life.  
Hillary Chan, Tseung Kwan O
Lost for words in English at book fair
 The loss of the colonial drive to promote the English language  is one  reason for the demise of bookstores that upset Angelo Paratico ("Promote love of books for our young", February 3), as well as many other Hongkongers. But most local people today  are interested in only Cantonese and Chinese literature,  because it is the national language of our governor in Beijing.  
In any case, simple mathematics tells us that  a market for two languages is bigger than a single language market.
On my most recent visit  to the Hong Kong Book Fair,  I spotted   few English books, most of  which appear to be  related to Harry Potter, while others were all Chinese books produced and printed in China and Taiwan. 
I think people are too inclined to  opt for an easy  life rather than  practise multiple languages,  especially when the  skill does not  always lead to a cash bonus at the end of the year.
Pang Chi-ming, Fanling


Letters to the Editor, February 06, 2015

The work conditions of foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong have often been cited as a matter of concern. Photo: Nora Tam

Opinion

Letters