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The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) reported that several general and roadside air quality monitoring stations have reached a higher than normal air pollution level today. At 5pm today (January 16), the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) at Causeway Bay and Central stations reached 10 and 9 respectively. The health risk category is "Very High". The AQHI at Tung Chung and Tuen Mun stations also reached 9 and 8 respectively. The health risk category is "Very High".
Under the influence of a winter monsoon, the weather in Hong Kong today was mainly fine with moderate northeasterly winds. With the fine weather and stronger sunshine, photochemical smog and ozone formation became active in the Pearl River Delta region. Coupled with a light wind, which is conducive to the trapping of air pollutants, this led to a high air pollution level.
It is expected that the health risk category of some general and roadside stations may reach "Serious" level later today.
According to the Observatory, the weather forecast for the region will be mainly fine in the next couple of days, though the wind speed will increase. It is expected that the air pollution level will improve when dispersion gets better.
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 is 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 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 to 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 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 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 at the EPD's website (www.aqhi.gov.hk/en.html) or by calling the hotline 2827 8541.
Ends/Friday, January 16, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:46
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