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The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) forecasts that some general and roadside monitoring stations would record a higher than normal pollution level later today (October 15). At 1pm today, the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) at the general monitoring stations at Yuen Long and Tap Mun, as well as the Central roadside monitoring station, reached 8. The health risk category is "Very High".
Under the influence of a northeast monsoon, the weather in Hong Kong is mainly fine with moderate east to northeasterly winds. The fine weather and strong sunshine enhanced photochemical smog activities and the formation of ozone in the Pearl River Delta region. Coupled with light wind, which is conducive to the trapping of air pollutants, the conditions will lead to high air pollution levels. Right now, it is already hazy in some areas. The ozone level is expected to further increase in the afternoon, resulting in higher pollution levels being recorded at both general and roadside monitoring stations because the high ozone levels will also promote the formation of nitrogen dioxide from nitrogen oxides at street level.
The EPD forecasts that the AQHI health risk categories at some of the general and roadside monitoring stations could reach the "Serious" level later today.
According to the Observatory, the weather forecast for the region will be mainly fine in the next couple of days. It is expected that photochemical smog activities will still be active in the afternoon, resulting in the health risk reaching very high to serious categories.
With a health risk category 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 the 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 work 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 their time 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/Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Issued at HKT 14:47
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