Asthma

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solap

Newbie

Joined: Mar 25, 2005
Posts: 1

Status: Offline

Posted: Mar 25, 2005 - 11:41 AM
Post subject: Chicago/Shanghai Pollution / Asthma

My wife and two sons (2 and 4) are considering relocating from Chicago to Shanghai. We're concerned about the pollution levels in Shanghai, particularly because our sons both have respritory problems. Chicago's air quality is not perfect by any means, but we're looking for information on how Shanghai's air quality compares to Chicago's.

tptmonkey

Newbie

Joined: Nov 24, 2002
Posts: 4
Location: Shanghai
Status: Offline

Posted: Mar 27, 2005 - 11:42 AM
Post subject: Its up and down really

Solap,

I'm living in Chicago now and will be returning to Shanghai in two or three weeks. I lived there for four years in the past and helped a lot of families "make the move".

A lot of the effects of the dust and pollution of Shanghai depends on where you live. If these are major concerns for you, I would stongly suggest you move out into the areas closer to the ocean where this is a bit of a breeze, such as Shanghai Links, or even some of the Hong Qiao or Ming Hang developments which are away from the major highways. This is tough, but there are some that are tucked in and around trees which can make a big difference.

While living there I noticed the pollution while I was walking or biking on the road, however other then that it didn't ever bother me.

You may wish to contact me offline at mvrielink @gmail.com and I can follow up more specifically since I am in Chicago right now.

Michael

bus3
Rocker
Rocker

Joined: July 25, 2004
Posts: 736
Location: Here and there

Posted: Mar 27, 2005 - 01:11 PM

Solap,

I live in Ming Hang and I spend a lot of time in Chicago. Becareful of Ming Hang. The summers get pretty bad here. I would keep my family in Chicago.

Leah

Lurker

Joined: Mar 19, 2004
Posts: 33

Status: Offline

Posted: Mar 27, 2005 - 02:32 PM

Solap,

If your children have respiratory problems already in Chicago then Shanghai would not be the place to even think about. The air quality here is very poor (today is yet another day covered in smog). You should also know that Drs here see more and more adults and children with pollution induced respiratory problems in people who have never had these problems before and have lived in Asian countries before. That is how bad it is.
Sorry to be so blunt but I wish we had known this before we decided to come here and we have lived in many Asian cities before here.
Yes, you can live futher out but the point is the air is bad so for those already predisposed to these problems, it is not a good move.
All the best with whatever you decide, Leah

hammerforlife
Fire-eater

Joined: May 24, 2004
Posts: 2702

Posted: Mar 27, 2005 - 02:39 PM

Yes I agree. The air pollution has improved greatly in recent years (I am involved with this type of work) but the air quality could be a problem for anyone with respiratory problems. Even doing normal things like eating in restaurants many people around you will be smoking and I guess that would not help your sons either.