Nightly Hong Kong Disney fireworks displays excite visitors, but a U.S. scientist says the fireworks might cause health problems for some people.
Philip Hopke, a professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at Clarkson University in Potsdam, N.Y., told the Hong Kong Economic Times the fireworks show exposes residents downwind to high concentrations of suspended particles. "The nightly fireworks would make the condition worse for those with respiratory problems or heart disease, especially for Asians who are prone to bronchitis," he said.
Disney is no stranger to such controversy. Residents near Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., have long complained about the pollution and the noise created by the 90,000 pounds of gunpowder ignited at that amusement park 239 nights a year.
Although Hong Kong's Environmental Committee is looking at the pollution generated by the nightly fireworks, it might be a moot point since Disney has already passed a required environmental assessment and has been granted permission to use the fireworks.
Hopke serves on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Science Advisory Board and the Committee on Air Quality Management in the United States.
Philip Hopke, a professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering at Clarkson University in Potsdam, N.Y., told the Hong Kong Economic Times the fireworks show exposes residents downwind to high concentrations of suspended particles. "The nightly fireworks would make the condition worse for those with respiratory problems or heart disease, especially for Asians who are prone to bronchitis," he said.
Disney is no stranger to such controversy. Residents near Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., have long complained about the pollution and the noise created by the 90,000 pounds of gunpowder ignited at that amusement park 239 nights a year.
Although Hong Kong's Environmental Committee is looking at the pollution generated by the nightly fireworks, it might be a moot point since Disney has already passed a required environmental assessment and has been granted permission to use the fireworks.
Hopke serves on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Science Advisory Board and the Committee on Air Quality Management in the United States.
