**************************************************
A roadside monitoring station of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has recorded a higher than normal pollution level. At 7pm today (January 30), the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) at Causeway Bay reached 9, corresponding to "Very High" health risk category.
Hong Kong is being affected by a continental airstream with high pollutants background. The weather is mainly cloudy with moderate northeasterly winds. The relative light wind and the high regional background level of pollutants have resulted in higher than normal pollution levels particularly in the urban areas and at the roadside. It is expected that it may reach "serious" level later in the evening.
According to the Observatory, the weather will be dry and cool with sunny intervals during the day tomorrow. 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 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, January 30, 2015
Issued at HKT 20:11
NNNN
