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The general monitoring stations of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) have recorded a higher than normal pollution level. At 4pm today (September 6), the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) at Tung Chung reached 10+ while Yuen Long and Tuen Mun were at 10. The health risk categories are "Very High" or "Serious".
The weather in Hong Kong today is generally fine and very hot with moderate easterly to northeasterly. The intense sunshine and high temperature enhanced photochemical smog activities and formation of ozone during the daytime, resulting in higher pollution levels.
According to the Observatory, the showers associated with the area of low pressure will affect the coast of Guangdong. There will be sunny intervals and a few showers, 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 public may visit the Centre for Health Protection's website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/content/9/460/3557.html) for more information on health effects of air pollution and relevant health advice.
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/Saturday, September 6, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:36
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