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Air Quality Health Index reaches "Serious" level
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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 2pm today (September 19), the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) at Kwai Chung, Tsuen Wan, Yuen Long, Tuen Mun, and Tap Mun reached 10+ while the remaining general stations reach 8 or above. The health risk categories are "Very High" or "Serious". In addition, as the concentration of nitrogen dioxide increased, the AQHI at the roadside monitoring stations have also exceeded normal levels. The Causeway Bay and Central roadside monitoring stations recorded AQHI of 10+ at 2pm today, corresponding to the "Serious" health risk category.

     The weather in Hong Kong today is generally fine and very hot with light to moderate northerly winds. The intense sunshine and high temperature have enhanced photochemical smog activities and formation of ozone during the daytime, resulting in higher pollution levels. Light winds in the urban areas hinder the effective dispersion of the pollutants at street level leading to higher than normal nitrogen dioxide level.

     According to the Observatory, there will likely be a few showers today and over the weekend. It is expected that the pollution levels would still be higher than normal before the pollutant dispersion gets better.

     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 the 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/Friday, September 19, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:10

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