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The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has recorded higher than normal pollution levels. At 4pm today (August 21), the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) at several general and roadside air monitoring stations reached 8 or above, the health risk category is "Very High".
A continental airstream is affecting the southern China region. The weather in Hong Kong is hot with sunny periods and some haze with light to moderate northwesterly winds. The strong sunlight enhanced the formation of ozone in the Pearl River Delta. Coupled with a light wind, which is conducive to the trapping of air pollutants, pollution levels are expected to increase at both general and roadside monitoring stations because the high ozone levels will also promote the formation of nitrogen dioxide from nitrogen oxides at the street level.
The EPD forecasts that the AQHI health risk categories at some of the roadside monitoring stations may reach the "Serious" level later today.
According to the Hong Kong Observatory, it will be very hot and hazy in the next few days. It is expected that photochemical smog activities will still be active in the afternoon, perhaps causing the AQHI health risk to reach the very high to serious categories. As a broad trough of low pressure is expected to bring unsettled weather to the central and northern parts of the South China Sea in the latter part of next week, it is expected that pollution levels will remain higher than normal until then.
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 the health effects of air pollutants may vary for individuals, persons who are in doubt or who 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 .
When the health risk category is at the "Very High" level, employers of outdoor workers performing heavy manual work are advised to assess the risk of outdoor work and to 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, August 21, 2015
Issued at HKT 17:44
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