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The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has recorded higher than normal pollution levels. At 3pm today (August 24), the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) at several general and all roadside air monitoring stations reached 8 or above, corresponding to the "Very High" health risk category.
Under the influence of a continental airstream, the weather in Hong Kong is mainly fine apart from some haze with light winds. Hong Kong is being affected by an airstream with higher background pollutant concentrations. The intense sunshine enhances photochemical smog activities and the formation of ozone, resulting in higher pollution in the region. In addition, the light winds hinder effective dispersion of air pollutants. The high level of ozone has promoted the formation of nitrogen dioxide, particularly in parts of the urban areas and at the roadside. It is expected that the AQHIs of some general and roadside air monitoring stations may reach the "Serious" level later today.
According to the Hong Kong Observatory, it will be mainly fine and very hot in the next couple of days. It is expected that photochemical smog activities will still be active in the afternoon. It will become showery gradually as a broad trough of low pressure is expected to bring unsettled weather to the northern part of the South China Sea in the latter part of the 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 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.¡@
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 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/Monday, August 24, 2015
Issued at HKT 16:18
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