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The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) recorded very high Air Pollution Indices (API) at roadside air quality monitoring stations today (October 24) due to high concentration levels of nitrogen dioxide. At 11am today, the roadside air quality monitoring stations at Causeway Bay, Central and Mong Kok recorded API readings of 156, 192 and 112.
An EPD spokesman said that Hong Kong is being influenced by a continental airstream with relatively high background pollution levels. The weather in Hong Kong and its vicinity is mainly fine with moderate wind. The fine weather has enhanced the photochemical smog activities and the formation of ozone, resulting in a high level of background ozone recorded across the region. The ozone has promoted the formation of nitrogen dioxide emitted from motor vehicles at the roadside, and the low wind cannot disperse the pollutants effectively, thereby pushing up the API readings.
"According to the Hong Kong Observatory, the northeast monsoon will continue to dominate over southern China in the next several days. We expect that air dispersion will remain poor and the general and roadside API readings are expected to remain at higher than normal levels in the next couple of days," he 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 are also advised to take public transport instead of private transport 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 on the EPD website (www.epd-asg.gov.hk/eindex.html) or by calling the hotline 2827 8541.
Ends/Thursday, October 24, 2013
Issued at HKT 12:17
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