All members of Japan's Olympic team will be provided with face masks more commonly used on construction sites to protect them against the pollution in Beijing. The mask is a disposable type made by manufacturer Koken and has already been trialled by the cycling squad. Other national Olympic teams are taking similar precautions following reports that the air quality in the city remains a risk in particular for endurance athletes.

The American and Kiwi Olympic athletes will have masks available to them if they want them as well.  The Americans were given masks four years ago in Athens, in case of terrorist attacks.  This time it would be for pollution.

Cynicism is intellectual treason.

I remember Mexico City also as a horror for air pollution. But anyone who has been there during a 4 day holiday weekend will see the difference that shutting down cement plants and other factories will do.

And remember the attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. Oops, they've never had the Olympics. Forget that example.

Beijing has already shut down the cement factories. They'll handle the problem.

Never underestimate their intelligence, always underestimate their knowledge.

Frank Delaney ~ Ireland