Hong Kong Orientation Guide

Hygiene / General Health

Air

HongKongair can be very pollutedat times,someseasonsareworse forairpollution than others. In summer, the sea breeze provides a clean air supply; however, in winter, the northeast wind carries dust fromnorth China, and the air is not as clean.The elderly, children and those with respiratory problems should heed warnings that are issued when the Air Pollution Index is particularly high. Contact lens wearers are more susceptible to eye infections due to high levels of dustparticlesandautoemissionsintheair.

Snakes and Snakebites

Mostpeoplecanlive inHongKongforyearsandneverencounterasnake.Nonetheless,Hong Kong does have some poisonous snakes. Snakebites are uncommon—most occur after summer rains and at night.If you intend to do a lot of hiking on remote trails, or have a garden we would recommend that you contact the Hong Kong Conservation Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (2708-8885) for more information about poisonous snakes and precautions to take. In an emergency, go to the Queen Elizabeth (Kowloon side) or Queen Mary (Hong Kong Island side) Hospitals, as they keep anti-venom treatment on hand.

Water

The water in Hong Kong is safe to drink as it meets World Health Organization criteria. However, themajorproblem inolderbuildings isoldwaterpipesthatgeneratesedimentandtrapbacteria. The simplest solution is to purchase an inexpensive water purifier that can be attached to the faucet. Filters must be replaced on a regular basis.This is not necessary in newer buildings, although youmightnotlike the taste of HongKong’stapwater. Hong Kong water is also fluoridated, so your children will not be getting fluoride if they drink distilled bottled water.Also if you and your family drink only distilled water, you run the risk of flushing your systemof important minerals,particularly after exercise or long exposure to the heat. You may choose to use bottled water for drinking purposes and tap water for cooking. There are two bottled water companies that will deliver to your home.Youmust purchase the water cooler base, which is available from either supplier.

Watsons Distilled Water

Tel: 2660 6688 www.watsons-water.com

Bonaqua Mineral and Distilled Water

Tel: 2210 3311 www.bonaqua.com.hk

Some find that purchasing a water purifier that is fitted to a kitchen faucet is a good solution to the Hong Kong water dilemma. This is more economical solution than using a water supplier and theminerals and fluoride is retained in thewater. For smaller households Brita canisters and Phillipsfiltration systemsarepopular andavailableatWingOn,Fortress stores&some larger supermarkets.

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