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The general monitoring stations of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) have recorded a higher than normal pollution level. At 2pm today (September 30), the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) at Yuen Long and Tap Mun general monitoring stations reached 9 and 10 respectively. The health risk category is "Very High".
The weather on the coast of Guangdong and the Pearl River Delta (PRD), including Hong Kong, is fine and hot. The wind is light in the territory. The intense sunshine will enhance photochemical smog activities and the formation of ozone in the PRD region. The ozone is also being accumulated due to light winds. In addition, light winds in the urban areas, which hinder the effective dispersion of the pollutants at street level, will lead to a higher than normal pollution level. As it is likely that the air pollutants will continue to accumulate in the territory, the EPD forecasts that the AQHI at some of the general monitoring stations could reach "Serious" level later today.
According to the Observatory, the northeast monsoon is expected to reach the south China coast tonight and the associated rain band will affect the region. The wind will then become moderate northeasterly with a few rain patches. It is expected that the pollution levels will 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 the "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 the "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 on the EPD's website (www.aqhi.gov.hk/en.html) or by calling the hotline 2827 8541.
Ends/Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:13
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