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Health risk category for Air Quality Health Index may reach "Serious" Level
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     The Environmental Protection Department(EPD) has recorded higher than normal pollution levels. At 3pm today (July 11), the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) at most general and roadside air monitoring stations reached 8 or above. The health risk category is "Very High".

     Under the influence of a continental airstream, the background air pollutant level in Hong Kong is relatively high. The weather today is mainly fine with some haze and light to moderate northwesterly winds. The fine weather and strong sunshine has enhanced photochemical smog activities and the formation of ozone in the region.  Coupled with light wind, which is conducive to the trapping of air pollutants, higher pollution levels have been recorded at the general monitoring stations. At the roadside, the high ozone levels also promote the formation of nitrogen dioxide from nitrogen oxides, resulting in higher pollution level.

     The EPD forecasts that the AQHI health risk categories at some of the general and roadside monitoring 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. It is expected that photochemical smog activities will still be active and the pollution level will remain higher than normal.

     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 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/Saturday, July 11, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:57

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