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.
