Letters | Is tear gas in Hong Kong making polluted city take a toxic turn?

Repeated use of tear gas by police in almost every district has exposed even children, the pregnant and the elderly to a complex mix of harmful chemicals. This raises deep concerns with regard to public health

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Tear gas fired during clashes between anti-government protesters and anti-riot police at the junction of Nathan Road and Argyle Street in Mong Kok on October 27. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 7:25am, 19 Nov 2019Updated: 7:25am, 19 Nov 2019

Until recently, Hong Kong was a safe and vibrant city, although our air quality has often been criticised by local and international media. Sadly, the city has now become dangerous and even more polluted due to political conflict and the subsequent shocking incidents.

Might it have been different if the authorities had reacted positively to the over 1 million people who marched against the extradition bill, and those who voiced their professional opinions peacefully, in the early stages of the social unrest?

The civil unrest could have reduced the carbon footprint of this Asian shopping paradise, as fewer people went out to dine and shop. But there must be better ways for the city to tackle climate change.

Earlier this month, over 11,000 scientists from 153 countries united to describe the global situation now as a “climate emergency”. Despite this, neither businesses nor the public in Hong Kong can focus on climate change and other environmental protection issues while so many are struggling simply to get to work or to sustain their businesses.

Over the last five months, Hongkongers have experienced a disorienting psychological evolution, from hopeful to hopeless, as the city moved from peaceful marches to escalating violence.

Repeated use of tear gas by police in almost every district of this densely populated city has exposed many ordinary people in shopping malls, residential estates, universities, homes for the elderly and even kindergartens to a complex mix of harmful chemicals. This raises deep concerns with regard to public health.

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.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | Is tear gas in Hong Kong making polluted city take a toxic turn?

Letters | Is tear gas in Hong Kong making polluted city take a toxic turn?