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The Air Pollution Index (API) exceeded 100 today (April 15) at various general (ambient) and roadside air quality monitoring stations due to elevated nitrogen dioxide concentrations.
At 8am today, the API at the general stations at Kwun Tong, Sham Shui Po and Kwai Chung reached 143, 132 and 117 respectively, and the API readings at the Mong Kok, Central and Causeway Bay roadside stations were 200, 193 and 141 respectively.
A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department said that Hong Kong has been affected by a continental air stream with relatively high background air pollution. The wind has been light over the last couple of days. The high air pollution incident is caused by the trapping of pollutants, in particular nitrogen dioxide, in the territory.
"According to the Hong Kong Observatory, the weather will remain calm today. The general and roadside API readings are expected to stay high today and tomorrow because of poor dispersion of air pollutants and a high regional background air pollution level. The Hong Kong Observatory expects that the wind will pick up tomorrow. In that case, air quality will start to improve gradually later tomorrow," the spokesman added.
The spokesman advised that with an API at or above the "Very High" level, people with heart or respiratory illnesses, the elderly and children should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities, and avoid prolonged stays in streets with heavy traffic. The public is also advised to take public transport instead of driving as far as practicable.
The Education Bureau urged all schools to watch out for any changes in the API in the next couple of days and to reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities for students to protect their health.
The Labour Department urged employers to assess the risks of outdoor work. Employees who feel unwell should inform their supervisors.
Members of the public can check the current API readings at the EPD's website (www.epd-asg.gov.hk/eindex.html) or by calling the hotline 2827 8541.
Ends/Monday, April 15, 2013
Issued at HKT 10:41
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