Your Voice: Why Hong Kong ban on Japan seafood is needed; stay away from vapes and e-cigarettes (short letters)

I am writing to express my views on the protests and seafood bans that have happened as Japan releases release treated waste water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean. I agree with the ban.

The Fukushima water contains a radioactive chemical called tritium. Authorities have diluted the water to reduce its radioactivity to less than 1,500 becquerels per litre (Bq/L), which is far below the drinking water standard of 10,000 Bq/L. Therefore, the Japanese authorities claim that it is safe to release the diluted Fukushima water into the sea.

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However, there are problems that they have ignored. Even after dilution, although the radioactivity of the water is reduced, a harmful amount may still be present. Will this still accumulate in seafood and humans?

For instance, if we put five small balls into a one-litre bottle of water, there are five balls per litre. Now, if we put those same five balls into a larger bowl, there may be 0.5 balls per litre of water, which is equal to five balls per 10 litres of water. The balls are still in the water; they have not been eliminated. The same rule applies to the dilution of the Fukushima water.

Ava Ko, King Ling College

I am writing in response to the rise in popularity of e-cigarettes. SKE, an e-cigarette brand, has been accused of targeting children in its marketing campaigns in the UK. The company had conducted a online giveaway without ensuring that recipients were 18 or older, the legal age to purchase vapes.

Vapes and e-cigarettes contain nicotine, an addictive substance that increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The presence of carbon monoxide and tar in cigarettes can also lead to cancer and even death. Although e-cigarettes contain some harmful chemicals similar to those found in traditional cigarettes, they have gained popularity in the UK, particularly among teenagers, because of their appealing flavours such as candy or fruit.

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Parents and teachers emphasise the warning that smoking is harmful to health in an effort to dissuade those under 18 years old from engaging with cigarettes, whether traditional or electronic. However, not everyone heeds this advice. To reduce the number of smokers, the government should implement new restrictions.

Although smoking is legal, it poses severe health risks to smokers, offering no benefits to their well-being. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain self-discipline and avoid this harmful habit.

Wong Yu-man, Carmel Secondary School

There has been a surge in the popularity of animations among teenagers. From movies and shows to online content and fan communities, animations have captured hearts and imaginations around the world.

This genre offers a unique blend of storytelling, visual artistry and creativity. They provide an escape from reality into worlds filled with vibrant characters and engaging narratives. The visually captivating nature of animations stimulates the imagination.

These films often tackle complex themes and address universal human experiences. They can explore topics like friendship, love, self-discovery and societal issues in a relatable manner. This resonates with teenagers who are navigating their own journeys of self-discovery.

Animations also foster social connections. Teens often engage in discussions, fan art and online forums centred around their favourite animations. This shared enthusiasm creates a sense of belonging and encourages interaction with like-minded individuals.

Also, animated films and shows can promote critical thinking skills as teenagers analyse narratives, character motivations and plot developments.

Ho Man-ling, St Paul’s Secondary School

Thanks to my school assignment, I have come across a few documentaries that have made me think, namely Daughters of Destiny and Period. End of Sentence. The first is a show that explores the struggles of five girls from low-income backgrounds as they attend a boarding school, while the other sheds light on the situation of menstruation hygiene in India.

These films have made me realise how fortunate I am as a Hong Kong student. When I compare our lives to those of these girls in India, it is clear that we lead well-nourished lives.

Daughters of Destiny vividly portrays how education is a privilege for many people. It is a precious opportunity that even siblings within a household have to compete for. Just imagine having the chance to go to school, with an overwhelming responsibility hanging over you, as you carry the hopes of your family. Such pressure would drive me mad. I wouldn’t be able to bear it.

Watching these documentaries has been enlightening. The greatest benefit I have gained from them is a seed of hope. Even people living in impoverished conditions maintain the spirit of striving for a better life.