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The general and roadside monitoring stations of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) have recorded a higher than normal pollution level. At 4pm today (July 22), the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) at Yuen Long, Tai Po, Tuen Mun, Sha Tin, Tsuen Wan and Kwai Chung reached 10+ while most stations were at 9 or above. The health risk categories are "Very High" or "Serious".
A continental airstream is bringing very hot weather to Guangdong. The weather has been fine and the wind has been light. The intense sunshine and high temperature enhanced photochemical smog activities and formation of ozone during the daytime, resulting in high background pollution in the region. The light wind has hindered the effective dispersion of air pollutants and the high level of ozone has promoted the formation of nitrogen dioxide, particularly at street level.
According to the Observatory, the weather will still be very hot tomorrow under the influence of tropical cyclone Matmo's outer subsiding airstream. A southerly airstream will bring showers to the south China coast in the latter part of this week, and it is expected that the pollution levels would still be higher than normal before then.
With an AQHI in the very high range or above, children, the elderly and persons with existing heart or respiratory illnesses are advised to reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities to a minimum or avoid such activities. The general public are advised to reduce, or reduce to a minimum, outdoor physical exertion, and to reduce time outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic. As health effects of air pollutants may vary for individuals, persons who are in doubt or experience discomfort should seek advice from health-care professionals.
The Education Bureau (EDB) urges all schools to visit the EDB website for appropriate measures to safeguard students' health and take note of changes in the index. The relevant hyperlink is as follows:
www.edb.gov.hk/en/sch-admin/admin/about-activities/sch-activities-guidelines/index.html .
At "Very High" level, employers of outdoor workers performing heavy manual works are advised to assess the risk of outdoor work and take appropriate preventive measures to protect the health of their employees such as reducing outdoor physical exertion and the time of their stay outdoors, especially in areas with heavy traffic. At "Serious" level, employers of all outdoor workers are advised to assess the risk of outdoor work and take appropriate preventive measures to protect the health of their employees.
Members of the public can check the current AQHI readings at the EPD's website (www.aqhi.gov.hk/en.html) or by calling the hotline 2827 8541.
Ends/Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:08
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