International Olympic Committee Warns Beijing Air Is "A Possible Risk"

Washington Post:

The International Olympic Committee acknowledged for the first time today that air pollution could be harmful for athletes at this summer's Olympics in Beijing and said it will monitor air quality daily during the Games to see whether events should be moved or postponed.

In a statement, the committee predicted that most competitors would not be affected by poor air quality in the Chinese capital, one of the most polluted cities in the world. But in "a few sports" -- notably distance and other endurance events -- officials said there was "a possible risk."

Read the whole story: Washington Post

Comments

[NoPCZone]

Of course there will be No Smoking signs posted at all the venues...

[ohnoyoudidnot!]

We'll go to China for the Olympics, but, by golly, lets make sure we keep the Cubans down!!

[IronMikeHouston]

How is the USA keeping the Cubans down? They are allowed to trade with anyone but the USA and the last time I looked, the USA economy isn't doing all that great! Cuba has free health care! Cuban is one of the greatest countries in the western hemisphere. Castro is one of the richest men in the world! Yes, it is true that there are many political prisoners in Cuba jails but that doesn't really matter because Castro is one of the greatest leaders in the last 100 years. You have to crack egg to make a fried egg!

[Libsrule]

POSSIBLE??

POSSIBLE??

Seriously?

A friend of mine spent most of his inheritance last January and February touring the SouthEast Pacific Rim and China. He said the air in Beijing was unbreathable. They even have places to get fresh air for tourists.

Why we are participating in Olympics in one of the most repressive countries on Earth is beyond me.

I realize these young people work their lives to become hopefuls in the Olympics.

BUT in the same position I'd boycott the Chinese Olympics. They are cheaters anyway.

They are doing terrible things to their own people to make China "look" better.

Homeless are rounded up and put in prisons.

Poor parts of the city are being razed to the ground and the poor forced out of the city.

I hope our young people have the courage of the convictions of this country and not the convictions of it's president. But if they don't....well that is their choice. I won't watch.

[smokeystover39]

Adulterated cancer drugs, lead in kids toys, poisoned pet food, wholesale spying in the U.S., the murder of Tibetans, threatening Taiwan, the list goes on and on. The Olympics??? I'll pass on that thank you very much. (OH did I mention that based on the balance of payments account THEY own us?)

[mimsnpips]

Why oh why did we agree to Olympics in one of the filthiest countries on the planet? I read a book written by someone taking a Chinese cross country train ride and get this: it is acceptable to blow your nose directly on the floor. My young boys call this practice a "snot rocket". Then (yes there's more) the polite thing to do is grind the mucous or whatever into the carpet with your shoe. I am not making this up.
We should never have agreed to these Olympics. Boycott or whatever we are pansies for attending.

[ohnoyoudidnot!]

I'd like to know why the IOC would even consider China for the Olympics. Wouldn't a site with better air quality make more sense for the well-being of the athletes?

But aside from that...the PRC's past and present disregard for human rights should have eliminated it for consideration for the Olympics. Where is the missing Panchen Lama? Free Tibet!